42 American Legend

Legendary Pictures
'42'
written by
Brian Helgeland
White - March 14,

Blue Revised - April 7,
Pink Revised - April 19,
Yellow Revised - April 24,
Green Revised - April 27,
Goldenrod Revised - May 9,
Buff Revised - May 29,
Salmon Revised - June 4,
Cherry Revised - June 11,
Tan Revised - June 25,
Double White Revised - June 28,
Double Blue Revised - July 9,
2012
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PINK REV 4-19-12

A1
WHITE
1.
A1
Fills the screen. Falling from the top of frame to the

bottom. Pluming off into dust. White, white, white. We
move toward it even as it recedes, always out of reach.
Finally we pop out wide and high to reveal...
*
*
*
*
The white is chalk. An old BLACK GROUNDSKEEPER lays down the

right field line on a baseball diamond.
*
*
42
INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY
Blinds closed. Dust motes in the air. A large GOLDFISH TANK

bubbles. BRANCH RICKEY at his desk. Two photos on the wall:
Abe Lincoln & Leo Durocher. CHALKBOARDS covered with 100's
OF NAMES, every player in the Dodger organization.
CLYDE SUKEFORTH and HAROLD PARROTT sit across from Rickey
who stares at them. Sukeforth stares back. Parrott nervous.
RICKEY
Gentlemen, I have a plan... As of
now, only the Board of Directors
and my family know.
Sukeforth and Parrott exchange a look.
SUKEFORTH
A plans always good, Mr. Rickey.
And you always got one.
RICKEY
My wife says Im too old, That my
health isnt up to it. My son says
that every one in baseball will be
against me. But I'm going to do it.
Parrott looks to Sukeforth who keeps his eyes on Rickey.
SUKEFORTH
Do what, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
I'm going to bring a Negro
ballplayer to the Brooklyn Dodgers.
PARROTT
With all due respect, sir, have you
lost your mind? Imagine the abuse
youll take from the newspapers
alone. Never mind how itll play
on Flatbush. Please, Mr. Rickey.
Rickey looks dismissively at Parrott, over to Sukeforth.
PINK REV 4-19-12

RICKEY
Theres no law against it, Clyde.
SUKEFORTH
Theres a code. Break a law and
get away with it, some people think
youre smart. Break an unwritten
law though, youll be an outcast.
1A.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
2.
RICKEY
So be it. New York is full of
Negro baseball fans; every dollar
is green. I don't know who he is,
or where he is, but hes coming.
CUT TO:
2
EXT. RICKWOOD FIELD - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - NIGHT
The big Birmingham Black Barons CATCHER behind the plate as

Kansas City Monarchs JOHN SCOTT stands at bat. The catchers
attention on the RUNNER DANCING off first. Stomping a foot,
feinting, hard to see clearly in the glare of the lights.
CATCHER
Whered you learn to move like
that, runner?! At dime a dance
night?! Stay quiet!
INSERT: Birmingham, Alabama.
April 8, 1945.
On the first pitch the runner takes off. The catcher fires to
second. See it from his POV as the runner slides in SAFE!
A foot on the bag, the runner dusts off, heckles the catcher:
RUNNER
Is that the best you got?! Huh?!
Im going to steal nine, ten bases
today! You better start counting!
The catcher frowns.
Standing, we see he is a big, big man.
CATCHER
(Alabaman)
Wheres your shortstop from?
JOHN SCOTT
(Louisianan)
California.
CATCHER
Hes got a mouth on him.
Shaking his head, the catcher gets back in his crouch,
signals the PITCHER. On the wind-up, the Runner is off
again. The catcher fires to THIRD: Safe!
RUNNER
You got a rag arm, catcher!
CATCHER
Steal home! Youll find out what
kind of arm I got!
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12
3.
RUNNER
Okay, Im coming!
The Catcher looks over at Scott who chuckles.
CATCHER
California, huh?
(Scott nods)
Well California here he goes, if he
comes down here.
The Catcher gets back down in his squat. Signals the
pitcher: fastball. Scott digs in, ready. The runner dancing
off third. Here comes the wind-up...
The Runner takes off even as the pitcher fires it in. The
Birmingham Catcher receives it. As the Runner slides -The Catcher intentionally drives his glove, the ball and both
hands into the runners face -- WHALLOP! Sound drops as
were knocked flat senseless along with the runner.
ON HIM now as he tries to push himself up from the dirt. A
close look at JACK ROOSEVELT ROBINSON. A born battler, he
shakes out the cobwebs, finally lurches to his feet, looks to
the UMPIRE. He never heard the call.
What was I?
JACK
The umpire passes one hand over the other: Safe. Jack looks
over at the catcher, gives him a pointed look as he goes -The catcher shoves him in the back. Jack turns, shoves back.
As the two men wrestles each other to the ground -CUT TO:
3

Rickey and Sukeforth going through stacks of FILES on the
desk. A black ballplayers picture is clipped to each. As
Rickey reviews one, Sukeforth tries to hand him another.
3
*
*
SUKEFORTH
Josh Gibson. Oh boy can he hit.
No.
No?
RICKEY
SUKEFORTH
Rickey wont take the file; the answer is no.

Alright.
4.
SUKEFORTH
Roy Campanella.
Sukeforth holds it out; Rickey wont take it.
RICKEY
A heck of a player. But too sweet,
theyll eat him alive.
SUKEFORTH
(holds up file)
Satchel Paige then.
Parrott enters carrying an armful of files.
RICKEY
Too old. We need a man with a
future not a past.
(holds up his own
file)
Here. Jack Roosevelt Robinson.
*
*
*
*
As Parrott sets them on the desk, they start to slide off,

spilling to the floor. Helpless to stem the tide, Parrott
looks down, surrounded by black faces...
RICKEY
(flips through file)
A four sport college man, out of
UCLA. That means hes played with
white boys.
(scans file)
Twenty-six years old, now with the
Kansas City Monarchs. Batting over
350 even as we speak. 350! And he
was a commissioned army officer!
SUKEFORTH
He was court-martialed. A trouble
maker. He argues with umpires. A
quick temper is his reputation.
Rickey is obviously keen on him.
PARROT
What was he court-martialed for?
*
*
RICKEY
For refusing to sit in the back of
a military bus.
(checks the file)
Ft. Hood, Texas. The driver asked
him to move back. The MPs had to
take him off.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Do you see?
5.
SUKEFORTH
RICKEY
I see he resents segregation. If
he were white, wed call it spirit!
*
*
PARROT
If he were white, sir, we wouldnt
be looking for him.
*
*
Rickey ends the debate...
RICKEY
Robinsons a Methodist. Im a
Methodist. Gods a Methodist. We
cant go wrong. Find him. Bring him
here.
*
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
EXT. FILLING STATION - INTERSTATE 24 - DAY
A BLOODHOUND watches as a BUS pulls into a SERVICE STATION,

the tires RING the bell hose. A million miles easy on this
road rumbler. The BANNER reads: KC Monarchs.
Insert: Interstate 24, Missouri - August 24, 1945.
The DRIVER steps off. The fellas follow, getting off to
stretch their legs. Hot and tired. A WHITE ATTENDANT
saunters out. The driver steps over to meet him.
ATTENDANT
Fill her up?
Yes, sir.
DRIVER
The attendant starts unscrewing caps on two 50-GALLON TANKS.

ATTENDANT
Where you all headed?
Chicago.
DRIVER
As the attendant shoves down a pump, starts filling, Jack

steps off. He spots and heads for a restroom. White Men
Only lettered on the door. The attendant roused as he sees.
Hey!
ATTENDANT
Where you going, boy!?
BLUE REV 4-07-12
6.
Everyone looking over as Jack stops.

JACK
I'm going to the toilet.
ATTENDANT
Shit, boy, cmon. You know you
can't go in there.
Jack does a slow burn, then suddenly strides toward the
attendant. The air rife with tension.
JACK
Take that hose out of the tank.
ATTENDANT
Huh?
Robinson --
DRIVER
JACK
Take it out. We'll get our ninetynine gallons of gas someplace else.
The attendant blinks. He takes a look from Jack to up and
down the deserted highway. No business in sight.
ATTENDANT
Okay, use it. But don't stay in
there too long.
Jack heads back.
The Driver, the players, a bit stunned.

CUT TO:
INT. WHITE MEN ONLY REST ROOM - FILLING STATION - DAY
Jack splashes water on his face, rips a paper towels from the
dispenser, pats his face dry. He balls the wad up, squeezes
it in his fist before firing it into the trash. He considers
his reflection in the mirror. As he regards himself, we hear
the SERVICE BELL ring outside.
CUT TO:
6
EXT. FILLING STATION - HIGHWAY 24 - DAY
A car has pulled up. The driver talks to several players.

They look over as Jack exits. The driver is Clyde Sukeforth.
SUKEFORTH
Are you Jackie Robinson?
CUT TO:
*
*
TAN REV 6-25-12
7.
OMITTED
Blinds closed. Jack sits across the desk from Rickey.

Sukeforth sits a little further back. Rickey is staring at
Jack. Bushy eyebrows flared, light gleams off his glasses.
INSERT: August 28, 1945.
Brooklyn.
Jack doesnt know what to do, looks to Sukeforth.
Finally...
RICKEY
Do you have a girl?
Excuse me?
JACK
RICKEY
A man needs a family relying on
him. It insures he'll behave
responsibly. Do you have a girl?
I think so.
JACK
RICKEY
You think so?
Jack looks to Sukeforth who smiles placidly.
Back to Rickey.
WHITE 3-14-12
8.
JACK
I don't make much money. Between
the army and now baseball I've been
away a lot. And Rae, Rachel, she
wants to finish school. Considering
all that, I say I think so.
RICKEY
Do you love her? Rachel?
(Jack confused)
Dont you know?
JACK
Yes, sir, very much.
Marry her.
RICKEY
What? Rickey stands, walks to a window. Jack looks at

Sukeforth who raises a hand as if to say: Give it a chance.
RICKEY (CONTD)
Baseball's a hard life; a man needs
a good woman by his side. You
dont want the only person waiting
for you at home to be a catcher.
Sukeforth chuckles at that. Rickey fingers open a slat on
the blind and peers out. Jack looks hard at him.
JACK
Coach Sukeforth here said you were
starting a new Negro League. That
doesnt make sense to me.
MR. RICKEY
It doesnt, huh? Are you calling
us liars, Jack?
JACK
What's this about, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
This is about baseball.
Rickey opens the shade. Sunlight floods in. Rickey follows
it to the chalkboard, to the list of players under Montreal.
RICKEY (CONTD)
I see you starting in the spring
with our affiliate in Montreal. If
you make it there, we'll try you
down here with the Dodgers. The
white Brooklyn Dodgers.
Jack looks to Sukeforth who nods: Yes, you heard right.
BLUE REV 4-07-12
9.
RICKEY (CONTD)
Ill pay you $600 a month and a
$3,500 bonus when you sign the
contract. Is that agreeable?
Believe it or not thats a lot of money to Jack on this day
in time. This is all becoming a bit overwhelming.
Yes, sir.
JACK
Thats fine.
RICKEY
There is one condition. I have a
pile of scouting reports. I know
you can hit behind the runner, that
you can read a pitch. The question
is can you control your temper?
My temper?
JACK
RICKEY
Yes your temper! Are you deaf?!
Rickey furious, the avuncular old man gone. Jack sits there,
fists now balled. Rickey to Sukeforth like hes not there:
RICKEY (CONTD)
He looks proud. Willful.
SUKEFORTH
He'll need to be.
Rickey looks back to Jack who is as angry as he is confused.
RICKEY
I want to win! I want ballplayers
who can win! Are you one of them?!
Yes.
JACK
RICKEY
A black man in white baseball.
Imagine the reaction. The vitriol.
Rickey strides forward, gets in his face.
RICKEY (CONTD)
The Dodgers check into a hotel. A
decent good hotel. Youre worn out
from the road and some clerk won't
give you the pen to sign in.
(Southern drawl)
We got no room, boy, not even down
in the coal bin where you belong.
*
*
*
*
BLUE REV 4-07-12
10.
Jack looks like he wants to tear Rickey apart.

RICKEY (CONTD)
The team stops at a restaurant.
The waiter won't take your order.
(adopts a new voice)
Didn't you see the sign on the
door? No animals allowed.
(looming)
What are you going to do then?
Fight him? Ruin all my plans?
Answer me, you black sonofabitch!
JACK
(masters himself)
Do you want a ballplayer who
doesnt have the guts to fight
back? Is that what you want?
RICKEY
I want one who has the guts not to
fight back! There are people who
will not like this. They will do
anything to get you to react. If
you echo a curse with a curse, they
will only hear yours. Follow a
blow with a blow and they will say
a Negro lost his temper; that the
Negro does not belong. Your enemy
will be out in force, but you can
not meet him on his own low ground.
We win with hitting, running and
fielding, nothing else. We win if
the world is convinced of two
things: that you are a fine
gentlemen and a great ballplayer.
Like our Savior, you must have the
guts to turn the other cheek.
Jack considers Rickey.
Rickey looks worn out.
RICKEY (CONTD)
Can you do it?
Jack poised at what will be his Rubicon.
He crosses.
JACK
Mr. Rickey, you give me a uniform,
you give me a number on my back,
and Ill give you the guts.
CUT TO:
PINK REV 4-19-12

9
INT. HALLWAY - ISUM HOUSE - LOS ANGELES - DAY
11.
9
A phone RINGS on a table. RACHEL ISUM steps in, 23,

possessed of style that you can only be graced with.
RACHEL
Hello?
CUT TO:
10
INT. LOBBY PAYPHONE - 215 MONTAGUE STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 10

Jack in a PHONE BOOTH, the lobby busy beyond.
JACK
Rae, Im in Brooklyn.
INTERCUT THE FOLLOWING:
Brooklyn?
RACHEL
For what?
JACK
I dont want to say on the phone.
In fact, Im not supposed to tell
anyone.
She can hear the tingle in his voice.
Jack?
RACHEL
JACK
Im here, Rae
*
*
RACHEL
Whats going on? Youre supposed
to be playing in Chicago?
*
*
*
JACK
Weve been tested you and me. Our
loyalty, our faith. Weve done
everything the right way. Me
trying to make money. You
finishing school. Separated by the
war, now by baseball. We dont owe
the world a thing. Only each other.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Shes actually getting a little scared now.

RACHEL
Jack, what are you talking about?
What happened?
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12
12A.
RACHEL
Did Jack Robinson look happy?
(soft)
What if I cant make you happy?
He steps over, aware of her shyness.
JACK
Too late. You already do.
you and me, Rae.
*
Its
RACHEL
Until the wheels fall off.
(uncertain)
The world is waiting for us.
JACK
It can wait one more night
(kisses her)
Are you coming, Mrs. Robinson?
*
*
RACHEL
(kisses him back)
Id follow you anywhere, Mr.
Robinson.
*
*
*
*
He picks her up, carries her over the threshold.

clicks shut behind them...
As the door
CUT TO:
12
INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY
12
The shades closed; were scheming again. WENDELL SMITH sits

across from Rickey who stares back intently. Bespectacled,
32, Smith covers baseball for the Pittsburgh Courier.
RICKEY
Whos the best shortstop you ever
saw?
SMITH
Rabbit Tavener.
RICKEY
Rabbit Tavener? And you call
yourself a sports writer?
WHITE 3-14-12
SMITH
Yes, a sentimental one. Im from
Detroit. He was the Tiger
shortstop when I was a boy. How
about you? Whos your best?
Pop Lloyd.
RICKEY
SMITH
Not Honus Wagner?
RICKEY
Wagner is number two. And Rabbit
Tavener would not break my top 25.
Where do you suppose Jackie
Robinson will end up on that list?
SMITH
He wont break it. He doesnt have
a shortstops arm. Robinson
belongs on second base.
RICKEY
Alright then, where would he rate
at second?
SMITH
If he was playing now hed be the
best second baseman in the majors.
RICKEY
High praise. Hell have to be the
best in the minor leagues first.
SMITH
What are you saying, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
Im saying its going to be a very
interesting spring training. A lot
of players are coming back from the
war and with gas rationing over, we
can train down in Florida again.
SMITH
Daytona Beach?
(Rickey nods)
Youre aware in the past six months
a black boy was lynched in Madison,
Florida and a black man down in
Live Oaks?
RICKEY
Those towns may as well be a
million miles from Daytona.
13.
WHITE 3-14-12
14.
SMITH
Live Oaks is 150 actually.
RICKEY
I spoke to the Daytona mayor. He
assures me therell be no trouble.
But Rickey doesnt sound so sure.
They consider each other.
RICKEY (CONTD)
Mr. Smith, are you a Communist?
SMITH
Im a Democrat. Why do you ask?
RICKEY
I have a business proposition.
Whats your salary at the Courier?
SMITH
Fifty dollars a week.
RICKEY
I will pay you an additional fifty
dollars a week plus expenses if you
will attend spring training with
Jackie Robinson. You will watch
over him, help him to avoid the
harm that could come if he were to
do or say anything out of turn.
You will act as his chauffeur, you
will secure accommodations for him
wherever the team may be, help him
find restaurants, etc...
SMITH
Whats in it for me? Besides the
fifty dollars and a whole lot of
aggravation?
RICKEY
Unprecedented access for any
reportage you feel appropriate.
What do you say, Mr. Smith?
SMITH
I say yes, sir. If a Negro is good
enough to stop a Nazi bullet in
France; he's good enough to stop a
line drive at Yankee Stadium.
RICKEY
Ebbets Field actually, but yes, I
agree. The world is ready.
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12
15.
13
OMITTED
13
14
INT. BALLROOM - THE WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL - NIGHT
14
Over 500 guests: journalists, players and politicians all

listen politely as a SPEECH drones to an end.
INSERT: New York City. 23rd Annual Baseball Writers
Association Dinner February 3, 1946.
SPEAKER
As our former President Herbert
Hoover remarked in his tribute to
our national pastime: The rigid
voluntary rules of right and wrong,
as applied in baseball, are second
only to religion in strengthening
the morals of the American people.
Polite applause as the speaker steps off. The clapping more
enthusiastic as the lights dim on all but an impromptu set:
plantation house columns. Hoots as a BUTLER appears wearing
satin knee breeches and a MONTREAL ROYALS jersey. He holds a
ring like a lawn jockey, a WHITE MAN in BLACK FACE. The
laughs get louder as he peers out with exaggerated wide eyes.
BUTLER
Lordy, lordy, its looking like da
massa will be late dis ebning.
As the LAUGHS from the audience subside, a sportswriter
dressed as a COLONEL enters from stage right.
Robbie!
COLONEL
Robbie!
BUTLER
Yassuh, Massa Kunl.
Here Ah is.
Huge LAUGHS as he struts and dances his way over.
WHITE 3-14-12
16.
COLONEL
Jackie, you woolly headed rascal.
How long yo been in the family?
BUTLER
Ebber since Massa Rickey done bots
me from da Kansas City Monarchs.
COLONEL
(aside to audience)
Rickey that no good carpetbagger!
What could he be thinking!
Huge LAUGHS from that one.
Two people enjoying it well
recognize later as HERB PENNOCK and BOB COOKE.
BUTLER
Ah came near bein killed last
night, Kunl.
COLONEL
Hows that, Jackie boy?
BUTLER
Ah was comin up a dark street and
three men was behind me. And they
tried to do me with a baseball bat.
COLONEL
You dont say?
BUTLER
Yes, suh. Ah recognized one of
dem. Ahm gonna hab him arrested.
COLONEL
But I thought you said it was dark?
BUTLER
It was. But I know he played for
the Philadelphia Baseball Club. On
account of he struck at me three
times and never hit me once.
That brings the house down.
Check out their laughing faces.

CUT TO:
15
EXT. LOCKHEED TERMINAL - BURBANK - DAY
15
A gleaming American Airlines DC-3 angled up on the tarmac.

PASSENGERS climb the portable stairs and disappear inside.
INSERT: February 28, 1946. Burbank, California
CUT TO:

16
17.
INT. TERMINAL - BURBANK - DAY
16
Jack and Rachel are being seen off by FRIENDS from the
wedding and his mother MALLIE. Jack is in a natty suit with
Rachel in a beautiful coat.
MALLIE
You knock the cover off that ball.
JACK
I will, Mama.
Mallie hugs Jack and then kisses Rachel.
MALLIE
Look after each other.
We will.
RACHEL
She reaches in her bag, brings out a cardboard SHOEBOX; its

ever so slightly greasy at the bottom.
Take this.
MALLIE
Its chicken.
JACK
They have food on the plane, Mama.
MALLIE
You never know what might happen.
I don't want you getting there
starving and too weak to hit.
Rachel gives Jack a subtle but emphatic look: No.
CUT TO:
17
EXT. LOCKHEED TARMAC - BURBANK - DAY

Jack escorts Rachel to the plane, the shoebox in hand.
JACK
I couldnt tell her no.
RACHEL
I know she means well; I just dont
want to be seen eating chicken out
of a box like some country bumpkin.
Jack runs his hand over her coat.
JACK
No ones going to mistake you for a
bumpkin in this.
17
PINK REV 4-19-12
18.
RACHEL
Well, theyll know I belong on that
plane or wherever I happen to be.
CUT TO:
18
EXT. DC-3 - DAY (STOCK FOOTAGE)

Descending toward a runway.
18
Landing gear coming down.

CUT TO:
19
INT. TERMINAL - NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AIRPORT - DAY
19
A WOMAN exits the ladys room, passing a SIGN: White Only.

REVERSE to show Rachel looking at it like shes been slapped.
Jack joins Rae from the TICKET COUNTER, with the chicken box.
INSERT: New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
JACK
The flight to Pensacola leaves in
an hour... You okay?
RACHEL
Ive just never seen one before.
JACK
(follows her look)
Were not in Pasadena anymore.
A sudden momentum carries her forward.
Honey...
JACK
Rae --
He takes a step after her, stops as she disappears inside.

Jack unsure what to do. He looks around. Looks back. He
doesnt need this right now.
*
*
*
20
OMITTED
20
21
OMITTED
21
PINK REV 4-19-12

22
19.
INT. AIRPORT COFFEE SHOP - DAY
22
A black BUSBOY reacts as a bickering Jack and Rachel enter.
*
*
*
RACHEL
Did you promise him we wouldnt go
to the bathroom? Youve done it.
*
*
*
JACK
Before I promised.
*
*
RACHEL
It was just a toilet. Youd think
the commodes were made of gold.
*
*
*
As
COOK
You folks cant sit here.
Excuse me?
JACK
Jack looking to Rachel; its equanimity time.

COOK
Ill sell you some sandwiches.
you gotta take em to go.
Not easy.
But
Jack looks to the busboy, back to the cook.

No.
*
*
*
COOK
Its white only.
JACK
You hang onto those.
Mastering himself, Jack slides out. Drilling the cook with a

look, he offers his hand to Rachel as she slides out as well.
CUT TO:
OMITTED
JACK
I promised Mr. Rickey wed stay out
of trouble.
The busboy watches as Jack and Rachel slide into a booth.

Jack reaches for a MENU, here comes the COOK.
23
23
GREEN REV 4-27-12

24
20.
INT. TERMINAL - NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AIRPORT - DAY
24
Seen from on high. Jack and Rachel, sitting on a bench, two

little figures as passengers move along the concourse. They
sit a bit apart from each other, the world a wedge.
CUT TO:
25
EXT. RUNWAY - PENSACOLA AIRPORT - NIGHT
25
SMOKE PINWHEELS as the wheels of a BOEING 247 touch down.

INSERT: Pensacola, Florida.
Later that day.

CUT TO:
26
INT. BOEING 247 - TARMAC - NIGHT
26
Jack and Rachel worn out among eight other passengers. As

the door is opened, FOUR of the eight get up and disembark.
After a beat, FOUR NEW PASSENGERS board and take their seat.
JACK
Just a hop to Daytona now.
As Rachel nods, an AIRLINE EMPLOYEE boards, MISS BISHOP.
makes her way over. She spots who shes looking for.
She
MISS BISHOP
Jack Robinson? Come with me.
She starts away without explaining, looks back at them a bit
impatiently.
MISS BISHOP
Come on now. Both of you.
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12

27
21.
INT. TICKET COUNTER - PENSACOLA AIRPORT - NIGHT
27
The shoe box sitting on the counter, Jack in mid discussion

with Miss Bishop. Rachel just behind Jack.
MISS BISHOP
We have to lighten the plane.
Theres some bad weather east of
here. A heavy planes dangerous.
*
*
RACHEL
(low)
Tell her youre with the Dodgers.
Jack would rather not play that card.

JACK
Whens the next flight?
MISS BISHOP
Tomorrow morning. But its booked.
So someonell have to cancel.
Jack and Rachel unaware as a WHITE COUPLE are ushered out a

door and onto the tarmac behind them.
JACK
Look, Im with the Brooklyn Dodger
organization. Ive got to get down
to Daytona. Im supposed to report
to spring training in the morning.
MISS BISHOP
Well do our best to get you down
there by tomorrow afternoon, but it
might be the day after.
Jack --
RACHEL
He follows her gaze to where the white couple get on the

plane they got off. Jack wheels on Miss Bishop, furious.
JACK
You gave away our seats!
back on that plane!
Get us
Miss Bishop picks up a PHONE, holds it in Jacks face.
MISS BISHOP
Do you want to call the Sheriff?
Or should I?
CUT TO:
YELLOW REV 4-24-12

28
22.
EXT. BUS STATION - PENSACOLA - NIGHT
28
Closed. A line of EMPTY BUSES; the BANNER on one:

Beach. Across from it Rachel sits at one end of a
fur pulled around her. Jack at the other, staring
the night. Finally, he reaches down, picks up the
He pulls out a DRUMSTICK, considers it, then takes
Daytona
BENCH, her
off into
shoebox.
a bite.
JACK
Mama knew...
He holds it out to Rachel. She slides over, takes it, takes
a bite as well, smiles at him. He smiles back.
Its good.
RACHEL
CUT TO:
29
EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - DAY
29
LEO DUROCHER hitting fungoes. One after the next. PEE WEE
REESE and EDDIE STANKY both settle under the same ball.
I got it!
REESE
I got it!
STANKY
I got it! I got it!
They both back off at the last second and it drops to the
ground between them. Durocher chuckles.
DUROCHER
Thats what spring trainings for,
boys! Sort out our differences!
He hits another. This time to the outfield where veteran
DIXIE WALKER gives chase, finally gives up on it.
DUROCHER
Cmon, Dixie, get after it!
WALKER
(laughing)
Im old!
DUROCHER
Im gonna squeeze one more year out
of that worn out body of yours!
WALKER
If you could, skipper, my wife
would sure appreciate it!
DUROCHER
Keeping the women happy!
what its all about!
Thats
BLUE REV 4-07-12

29 A EXT./INT. CONVERTIBLE - DAY
23.
29 A
Rickey drives a dirt road through the training field singing

Two Sleepy People along with the radio: Passing BROOKLYN
DODGERS, MONTREAL ROYALS & ST. PAUL SAINTS on either side.
*
*
*
Durocher hits another as Rickey pulls up.
RICKEY
How are they looking, Leo?
DUROCHER
Rusty, Mr. Rickey. But well get
em oiled up and ready in no time.
You find your lost sheep yet?
Troubled, Rickey shakes his head no. As he does, Harold
Parrot hurries over. Hes the Dodgers travelling secretary.
PARROTT
Jackie Robinsons on a bus leaving
Pensacola.
RICKEY
A bus? Harold, how in blazes did
he end up on a bus?!
BOB BRAGAN, in his catching gear, passing by with pitchers
RALPH BRANCA and KIRBY HIGBE. Higbe asides to Bragan:
HIGBE
Why dont they just put him on a
watermelon truck?
BRANCA
Whats the matter with you guys?
BRAGAN
Not a thing, Branca, but we aint
just two pretty faces either.
CUT TO:
30
EXT. GREYHOUND STATION - DAYTONA BEACH - SUNSET
30
Wendell Smith stands waiting as a BUS pulls in.

The big air brakes hiss. The doors open and the PASSENGERS
disembark. First a DOZEN WHITE FACES, then a DOZEN BLACK.
Last but not least, Rachel and Jack. They look exhausted.
SMITH
Jackie Robinson... Mr. Rickey sent
me to meet you. Wendell Smith.
Pittsburgh Courier. Im going to
be your Boswell.
BLUE REV 4-07-12

My who?
24.
JACK
SMITH
Your chronicler, your advance man.
Hell, even your chauffeur.
(tips his hat)
Mrs. Robinson.
RACHEL
Its Rachel.
SMITH
Man, you two look wiped out.
JACK
(sharp)
You got a car? Get us out of here.
31
EXT. SMITHS BUICK (PARKED) - DAY
CUT AHEAD TO:
31
Jack and Smith carry the luggage. Smiths excited being

around Jack even if he is grumpy. As Smith unlocks the
Buick, Rachel considers a segregated pair of water fountains.
*
*
*
SMITH
You ever been down South before,
Rachel?
RACHEL
First time. We have our problems
in Pasadena, but not like this.
SMITH
Mr. Rickey says we follow the law.
If Jim Crow and the state of
Florida say Negroes do this and
that, then we do this and that.
RACHEL
(softly)
My lifes changing right in front
of me. Who I am, who I think I am.
CUT TO:
32
EXT. THE HARRIS HOUSE - DAYTONA BEACH - DAY

Black neighborhood.
32
The Buick stops at a nice looking house.
SMITH
Joe and Duff Harris live here. He
gets out the black vote, does a lot
of good for colored folks.
(MORE)
YELLOW REV 4-24-12

SMITH (CONT'D)
Mr. Rickey set it up himself.
(imitates Rickey)
If we can't put the Robinsons in
the hotels, they should stay someplace that represents something.
25.
Jack and Rachel exchange a look, the place seems nice.

SMITH
Brooklyn plays downtown; Montreal a
few blocks from here. Youll stay
with the Harrises except for a few
days at the end of the week. The
whole Dodger organization is going
to Sanford, about 45 minute away.
Youll stay here though, Rachel.
*
*
*
*
*
RACHEL
Where are the other wives staying?
SMITH
There are no other wives. Youre
the only one Mr. Rickey allowed to
spring training.
As the HARRISES step out on the porch, wave hello...
CUT TO:
33
INT. STAIRWAY - THE HARRIS HOUSE - DAY
33
MRS. HARRIS leads Jack and Rachel up the stairs to a door at

the top. Mrs. Harris opens it.
MRS. HARRIS
I call this the love nest.
you like it.
Im sure.
I hope
RACHEL
Thank you.
As Jack enters, Mrs. Harris starts back down.

MRS. HARRIS
Dinners at five.
Rachel enters, closes the door behind her -34
LOVE NEST
34
-- And accidentally knocks Jack onto the bed. She lands on

top of him. The room is impossibly small. It barely holds
their luggage and the BED theyre on. As they look around:
JACK
Its a joke, right?

I like it.
She kisses him.
26.
RACHEL
The love nest.
Hes starting to like it, too.
RACHEL
Remind me dinners at five.
JACK
Ill try to remember...
As the kisses become more urgent...
CUT TO:
A35
INT. SMITHS BUICK - DAYTONA TRAINING FACILITY - DAY
A35
Smith pulls up alongside the team buses, looks across at Jack

who is just a little nervous.
SMITH
The first day of Spring Training.
My Pittsburgh Courier readers need
to know how it feels.
Its okay.
JACK
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
SMITH
Thats not exactly a headline.
*
*
JACK
(brusque)
Thats all I got.
*
*
*
SMITH
Look, Jack, right now its just me
asking you. But you get on that
field and its going to be the New
York Times and the Sporting News.
You should think about it.
*
*
*
*
*
*
JACK
If they ask something, Ill answer.
*
*
SMITH
Alright, but you know when youre
at the plate, you want to feel like
you see the pitch come in slow?
Well, you want to see the questions
come in slow, too.
*
*
*
*
*
*
Jack just looks at him.
Gets out.
Smith sighs.

35
26A.
EXT. PLAYING FIELD - DODGERS DAYTONA FACILITY - DAY
35
As PLAYERS (Brooklyn, St. Paul & Montreal) warm up, practice,

Rickey sits on the bench, angry as he reads a NEWSPAPER.
Harold Parrott hurries over, something urgent on his mind.
Rickey on a rant; Parrott cant get a word in.
RICKEY
Listen to this, Harold. Whenever I
hear a white man - yours truly broadcasting what a Moses he is to
the Negro race, then I know the
latter needs a bodyguard.
(Parrott tries to
interject)
It is those of the carpetbagger
stripe of the white race - me again
- who under the guise of helping,
in truth are using the Negro for
their own selfish interest, thereby
retarding the race!
Parrott tries to interrupt again, but Rickey is furious.
RICKEY
The minor league commissioner of
baseball said that! I pay part of
his salary! You wouldnt stab me
in the back like this, would you?
PARROTT
(finally)
Hes here, Mr. Rickey.
27.
RICKEY
Why didnt you say so?!
36
PLAYING FIELD
36
Jack crossing toward them in his Montreal Monarchs uniform

carrying a glove and a bat. 200 white players clocking him.
Hes surrounded by REPORTERS and PHOTOGRAPHERS. Its the cue
for most of the batting and fielding and chatter among the
Dodgers, Royals and Saints to come to a stop.
Higbe forgets Bragan is throwing him a ball.
in the chest.
It clocks him
Reese and Stanky passing a medicine ball.
REESE
Thats him, huh?
STANKY
Take a wild guess.
Flash bulbs go off in Jacks face.
Shouts of Jackie and then...
Questions like punches.
*
*
REPORTER ONE
Jackie, do you think you can make
it with these white boys?
Jack looks off to where Smith watches, back to the reporter.
See the questions slow. He answers with measure.
*
*
JACK
Sure, I had no problem with white
men in the service or at UCLA.
REPORTER TWO
What'll you do if one of these
pitchers throws at your head?
JACK
(thinks a beat)
Ill duck.
That gets some laughs.
REPORTER THREE
Jack, what's your natural position?
ROBINSON
I've been playing shortstop.
REPORTER THREE
Are you after Pee Wee Reese's job?
*
*

Jack looks over to where Reese watches with Stanky.
JACK
Reese plays for Brooklyn. I'm
worried about making Montreal.
27A.
*
*
*
*
REPORTER ONE
Is this about politics?
JACK
Its about getting paid.
Jack doing beautifully.
Smith breathes a sigh of relief...
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
28.
MANAGER CLAY HOPPER

In a Montreal uniform, Hoppers too old to be a ballplayer.
He stands with Dixie Walker the Dodger right fielder.
HOPPER
(Mississippi twang)
Well, when Mr. Rickey picks one, he
sure picks a black one.
WALKER
Hes fine with me, so long as you
keep him up in Montreal.
HOPPER
Here comes the old man to save him.
They watch as Rickey pulls Jack from the press. He leads
Jack directly toward Hopper. As Walker excuses himself...
WALKER
Good luck, Hop...
RICKEY
Clay, Id like you to meet Jackie
Robinson. Jackie, Clay Hopper,
manager of the Montreal Royals.
Hopper shakes his hand as they exchange greetings.
HOPPER
We aint doing much today. Just
throwing the ball around and
hitting a few. Why dont you toss
a few with those fellas over there?
(calls over)
Hey, Jorgensen!
A kid in a Montreal uniform looks over.
SPIDER JORGENSEN.
HOPPER
Meet Jackie Robinson.
CUT TO:
37
EXT. PARKING LOT - DODGER DAYTONA FACILITY - DAY
37
The end of the day. Buses leave by team, the Dodgers and the
farm clubs. White faces look down as they pass a tired Jack,
who walks through the lot toward Wendell Smith and his Buick.
Higbe and Bragan call out from the door of the Dodger bus.
HIGBE
Hey, Rook! Did you hear about the
redneck shortstop?
29.
BRAGAN
He thought the last two words of
the National Anthem were Play Ball!
Jack forces a smile, but the joke comes off a bit harsh.
they seem like theyre laughing at him as...
And
HIGBE
How about the shortstop making all
the errors, tried to kill himself
by jumping out on the highway?
BRAGAN
A bus just missed him.
between his legs!
Drove right
As the bus passes by, Jack sees the impassive faces of Dixie
Walker, Reiser, Stanky, Pee Wee Reese and finally 20-year-old
Branca. Branca smiles, offers an awkward little wave.
SMITH
Between his legs, good one. He
mustve read a joke book. If he
can read.
Jack just gets in the car.
of the Buick.
*
*
*
Smith sighs, drum rolls the hood
SMITH
Hi, Wendell, how are you...? Well,
looks like I got a long drive to
Sanford.
*
*
*
CUT TO:
38
EXT. PORCH - THE BROCK HOUSE - SANFORD - LATE AFTERNOON
38
MR. BROCK comes out the screen door carrying a tray of tall
drinks. He sets them on a table, watches and waits as Smith
and Jack get out of the Buick, start up the steps.
MR. BROCK
Jackie, Im Ray Brock. Welcome to
Sanford Florida! The day belongs
to decent minded people.
They shake hands.
Brock looks to Smith, obviously knows him.
MR. BROCK
Wendell, good to see you.
(to Jack)
My wifes inside cooking. You know
what she asked me this morning?
She asked me, what do you serve
when a heros coming for dinner?
*
*
WHITE 3-14-12
30.
Jacks humble, embarrassed, doesnt know what to say.

JACK
Im just a ballplayer, Mr. Brock.
MR. BROCK
Tell that to all the little colored
boys playing baseball in Florida
today. Youre a hero to them.
The look on Jacks face says thats a heavy burden.
MR. BROCK (CONTD)
Sit down, have something to drink.
My special rum and coke.
JACK
No thank you, sir, I dont drink.
MR. BROCK
A ballplayer who doesnt drink?
Thats a new one on me.
SMITH
Ill have one. Im a stereotypical
reporter through and through.
JACK
Mr. Brock, do you have a desk? Id
like to get a letter to my wife.
MR. BROCK
Of course, this way.
As Mr. Brock leads Jack ahead, Smith sips his drink.
CUT TO:
39
EXT. PRACTICE DIAMOND - SANFORD - DAY

Rickey and Montreal manager Hopper stand by the dugout
watching a spring game versus St Paul. Jacks playing
second. They watch him closely as they talk.
HOPPER
Hes getting by on a quick release,
but his arms too weak for short.
Second base is his spot.
RICKEY
I agree. And Ill state another
obvious, Clay, I need the players
to act like gentlemen around him.
Uh huh.
HOPPER
39
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
31.
The MAN on first takes a lead.

RICKEY
To treat him as they would any
other teammate.
Uh huh.
HOPPER
RICKEY
To be natural, to impose no
restrictions on themselves.
work together in harmony.
To all
WHACK! The hit & run is on. The man on first runs on the
pitch as a LOW LINE DRIVE shoots for the gap between 1st and
2nd. Robinson turns himself inside out to dive on his belly
and catch it before it hits the ground.
He spins himself around, pivots on a knee to throw the runner
out before he can get back to first. ! Rickey is astounded.
RICKEY
That was superhuman.
HOPPER
(chuckling)
Superhuman? Dont get carried
away, Mr. Rickey, thats still a
Nigger out there.
Rickey takes a moment to process. Its Hoppers light
admonishing tone that really halts him. Finally...
RICKEY
Clay, I realize that attitude is
part of your heritage; that you
practically nursed race prejudice
at your mother's breast, so I will
let it pass. But I will add this:
you can manage Robinson fairly and
correctly or you can be unemployed.
They both look over as Jack comes off the field toward them.
HOPPER
Attaboy, Jackie! Way to turn two!
CUT TO:
40
EXT. FRONT PORCH - THE BROCK HOUSE - SANFORD - NIGHT
40
Smith and Mr. Brock are sitting on the porch sipping rum and
cokes. A quiet evening.
32.
MR. BROCK
I hope Jackie sleeps alright.
Chasing baseballs in the sun all
day, Id be in my grave. How are
they treating him out there?
They watch as a CAR slows, parks across the street.
SMITH
Okay as far as I can see.
A MIDDLE-AGED WHITE MAN, LUTHER exits the car and starts
toward them.
MR. BROCK
(frowns)
You find good people every place
you go. Even here in Florida...
LUTHER
(stopping below)
Is he in there?
SMITH
Who is it youre looking for?
LUTHER
Nigra ball player.
The air suddenly alive with danger.

SMITH
Hes asleep. Maybe you better come
back in the morning.
LUTHER
I aint comin back. Other fellas
is comin. They aint too happy
about him stayin here in Sanford.
Playin ball with white boys.
(a long beat)
Skedaddle, thats what Id do.
Ifn they get here, and hes still
here, theres gonna be trouble.
He turns and walks away.
As they watch, a phone rings...
RICKEYS VOICE
Yes, Wendell, what is it?
CUT TO:
41
INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAYTONA BEACH - NIGHT

Rickey in his pajamas in his hotel room.
41
On the phone.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
33.
RICKEY
I see... Yes, I understand. Wake
him up and get him out of there.
Put him in the car and start
driving for Daytona Beach. Now.
And, Wendell, under no circumstance
tell him what this is about. I do
not want him to get it in his head
to stay there and fight.
CUT TO:
42
INT. BEDROOM - MR. BROCKS HOUSE - NIGHT
42
Half dressed, Jack sits on the edge of his bed, feeling bad.
Through his open door, across a hall, we can see Smith in his
room. Passing in and out of view packing his own things.
JACK
I was just getting loose.
Smith sticks his head in the door.
SMITH
Don't just sit there.
duds. We're blowin'.
A phone RINGS somewhere.
Wendell?!
Smith leaves the room.
Pack your
They hear Brock answer, then:
MR. BROCKS VOICE

Hold on Jack, despair as he listens.
SMITHS VOICE
Yes, Mr. Rickey, I'm with him
now... We're pulling out for
Daytona in five minutes, soon as he
gets his bag packed... Yes, yes,
it's just one of those things.
One of those things.
As Jacks head hangs a little lower.

CUT TO:
43
INT./EXT. BUICK - MAIN STREET - SANFORD - NIGHT
43
The street deserted, sidewalks rolled up. Jack angry and

silent in the passenger seat. Smith jumpy behind the wheel.
They stop as a PICK-UP stops ahead outside a BAR where:
A DOZEN WHITE MEN in shirtsleeves exchange words with the
boys in the truck. To Jack it looks like a typical small
town bull session. To Smith it looks like something else.
34.
The white men look over at the two black men.

over, motions: roll down the window.
One steps
JACK
I wonder what he wants?
*
*
SMITH
To run us out of town.
*
*
JACK
What are you talking about?
*
*
The man close now. As Jack cranks down the window, Smith
floors it. The Buick SCREECHES away, SWERVING around a CAR
coming the other way.
JACK
What the hell, Wendell?!
SMITH
Man came by while you were asleep.
(checks mirror)
Told us more men were coming. Maybe
those boys. Mr. Rickey said to get
you to Daytona Beach a-s-a-p.
*
*
*
*
*
JACK
Why didnt you say so?
SMITH
Mr. Rickey was afraid you wouldnt
leave, that you would fight.
As it becomes clear, Jack starts to LAUGH.
SMITH
What the hell are you laughing at?
JACK
I thought you woke me because I was
cut from the team.
Jack LAUGHS harder. Wendell LAUGHS as well.
Jack looks back over his shoulder. Jesus...
As it fades,
CUT TO:
44
*
*
EXT. CITY ISLAND BALLPARK - DAYTONA BEACH - DAY
44
A stadium SIGN boasts Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Montreal Royals.
PINK REV 4-19-12
35.
Daytona Beachs black community is turning out to see Jackie

Robinson. Hundreds of people line up, mass at the: Colored
Entrance. In their Sunday best. Families. Couples. The
old. The frail. Young boys chase after each other. One
MOTHER stands on her toes to spot her son.
Ed!
MOTHER
You stay where I can see you!
13-year old ED CHARLES turns, waves his baseball glove over

his head so she can see him. Then to no one in particular:
ED
Im thirteen years old.
WHITE PEOPLE enter at several gates around them.
CUT TO:
45
CLOSE ON BRANCH RICKEY - THE DODGER DUGOUT
45
He sits watching as the segregated bleachers in right fill

with BLACK FANS. All else is white. Rickey pops a PEANUT in
his mouth, confides to someone alongside him we dont see.
RICKEY
Ive spoken to the mayor. Ive
explained how much money well
spend in Daytona. But still, when
this fine young Negro man steps on
that field today, he and the
Dodgers will technically be
breaking the law. A law which says
white and black players cannot
enjoy the same field at the same
time. Does that make sense to you?
Does Jim Crow make any sense when
placed against the words of the
United States Constitution? When
placed against the word of God?
POP OUT to reveal he sits beside the DODGER BATBOY, so short
his feet dont touch the ground. Rickey offers his peanut
bag. As the batboy takes one...
RICKEY
Ill tell you, it does not make
sense to me.
CUT TO:
46
OMITTED
46
PINK REV 4-19-12
36.
47
OMITTED
47
48
OMITTED
48
49
EXT. ON DECK CIRCLE - CITY ISLAND BALLPARK - DAY
49
Jack swinging two bats to get loose. Watches as the Montreal

BATTER hits a LINE DRIVE which -- Pee Wee Reese nearly leaps
out of his socks to bring down. Wow...
As the CROWD claps in appreciation, Jack takes a deep breath.
PA ANNOUNCER
Now batting the second baseman -Jackie Robinson!
Jack wincing as he steps forward to both cheers and boos from
the white sections. As a go home, coon drifts over -- A
BIG OVATION from the black section in right drowns it out.
COLORED SECTION - RIGHT FIELD
Rachel sits with Smith. They react to some of the INVECTIVE

coming from the white section.
*
*
RACHEL
Jacks got a thick skin.
okay.
Hell be
*
*
*
SMITH
How about you?
*
*
RACHEL
(shrugs)
I better get one in a hurry.
*
*
*
INFIELD
Higbe watching from the mound as Jack steps into the batters
box. Two well wishing voices from the infield stands.
SPECTATOR ONE
Come on, black boy, you can make
the grade!
SPECTATOR TWO
Theyre giving you a chance!
something about it!
Do
Jack heartened at the words. Concentrates as Higbes first

pitch is fired. High and tight, Jack jerks out of the way.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
37.
Bragan, behind the plate, chucks the ball back, grins up at

Jack who does not look down at him as he settles back in.
ED CHARLES
The 13-year-old holding his hands together in prayer.
ED
Please, God, let Jackie show them
what we can do.
HOME PLATE
Here comes the next pitch.
Ball two!
Even tighter.
Jack nearly hit.
UMPIRE
Jack glaring, crowds the plate more. Bragan shows 1, taps

his right thigh signalling outside. Jack watches it sail,
doesnt bite. The umpire: Ball Three! Higbes fun
slipping away as he cant find the strike zone.
HIGBE
Come on, Rook! Aint you gonna
swing at something?!
Jack takes a practice swing, waits as Bragan sets up right
over the plate. Here comes the pitch. Low. Ball four!
RACHEL & SMITH
A big, over-reacting CHEER from the Colored section.
SMITH
Its just a walk.
RACHEL
Who can blame them?
HIGBE
Looks ill-tempered over to first where Jack gives the same
look back as he sidesteps an enormous, defiant lead off the
bag. Higbe incredulous. Did he just do that?
DUROCHER
(from dugout)
Well throw over there for crying
out loud!
Higbe fires to LAVAGETTO at first.
Jack dives back in time.

*
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
38.
Higbe gets the ball back, settles. Jack takes a lead, but a
modest one this time. Here come the pitch -- And Jack goes.
You knew he was fast; but not this fast. Bragans throw to
Pee Wee is late and high. Pee Wee throws back to Higbe.
*
*
Higbe sets. Bragan gives him a sign. Jack takes a lead. On

the wind-up, Jack goes. Bragan stands -- its a PITCH OUT.
*
*
Bragan fires to third and Jack is caught in a RUN DOWN. It

seems like half the team gets involved with Higbe finally
getting the ball by third and Jack ducking under the tag.
*
*
*
Safe! A BUZZ goes through the stadium now as people start to

realize they are not watching something or someone ordinary.
RICKEY
Watching from a seat behind third.
RICKEY
Thataway, Jackie! Thataway!
HIGBE & JACK
Higbe looks home for the sign, Jack dancing off third,
pounding his right foot toward home. He feints hard home.
*
*
Higbe steps off the rubber.
Jack stays where he is.
HIGBE
Hell! Youre supposed to go back
to third when I step off! Dont
you know nothing?!
He throws over. Jack back to the bag. Higbe gets the ball
back, looks in. Jack bouncing, pounding off third. His
movements carry violence within them. Like a piston
exploding in an engine.
Higbe into his motion, stops his delivery, accidentally drops
the ball to the ground. The umpire signals BALK, points Jack
home. Higbe is furious.
ED CHARLES - IN THE COLORED SECTION
CHEERING, joyous.
His mother joins in, happy despite...
MOTHER
I dont understand.
What happened?
ED
Its a balk, Mama. The pitcher
cant start toward home and then
stop. Jackie scores.
*
*
*
*
GREEN REV 4-27-12
39.
MOTHER
But he didnt do anything.
ED
Oh, mama, yes he did, he
discombobulated the man.
DUGOUT
Durocher looks to Branca, impressed.
DUROCHER
He didnt come to play; he came to
kill.
Durocher starts out to the mound to talk to Higbe.
DIXIE WALKER
Watching from right field, the black crowd still cheering.
He walks over toward the open bullpen where Casey stands.
WALKER
This really how its gonna be some
day? Baseball?
CUT TO:
50
EXT. SCOREBOARD - BALLFIELD - DAY
50
Montreal vs. Indianapolis. THE STANDS are half filled. The

COLORED SECTION is packed solid, accentuated by the many
empty seats in the sections on either side of it.
INSERT: De Land, Florida.
No score, top of the first as -- Jack drops a BUNT down the
line. The FIRST BASEMAN fields, throw to the SECOND BASEMAN
covering. Too late. Only Jack doesnt stop.
Realizing the SHORTSTOP isnt covering the bag, Jack bolts
for second. The second baseman has to wait on the throw and
when he makes it -- The UMPIRE signals safe. A bunt double!
Spider Jorgensen settles in the batters box.
Crack, Jorgensen laces a single to left.
The pitch.
Jack motors to third where Sukeforth is WAVING him home.

Were with him at hip level as he tears down the basepath.
The CATCHER bracing for the throw - they COLLIDE - hes SAFE!
As Jack gets to his feet, however, a Jim Crow POLICEMAN steps
up to meet him, grabs him by the shoulder.
POLICEMAN
Git offa this field now!
WHITE 3-14-12
What!?
40.
JACK
Why?
POLICEMAN
Its against the law is why. No
niggers don't play with no white
boys. Git off or go to jail.
Jack shrugs the policemans hand off his shoulder.
sends him reaching for his nightstick and --
That
Sukeforth is there to get between them.

JACK
You swing that thing you better hit
me between the eyes with it.
Is that so?
The CROWD BOOING.
POLICEMAN
The black section especially.
HOPPER
(arrives from dugout)
Hey, hold on, whatd he do wrong?
POLICEMAN
We ain't havin' Nigras mix with
white boys in this town. Ya'll
ain't up-states now; they gotta
stay separate. Brooklyn Dodgers
ain't changing our way of living.
Where are you all from anyhow?
HOPPER
Greenwood, Mississippi.
POLICEMAN
Hell, man, you oughta know better.
(a dangerous beat)
Now tell your Nigra I said to git.
You think I'm foolin'?
Hopper looks desperately to Jack who just stands there.
RACHELS VOICE
What did you do?
CUT TO:
51
EXT. STREET - DAYTONA BEACH - HARRIS NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY

Jack and Rachel out walking.
Hes been telling the story.
51
PINK REV 4-19-12
41.
JACK
I said okay, Skipper, tell him...
Ah'm a-gittin'. Shonuff, ah is.
You didnt?
RACHEL
JACK
I did. Then I took a long shower.
We lost 2 to 1.
She takes a few exaggerated steps to amuse him.
RACHEL
Ahm a-gittin, ahm a gittin.
He laughs, takes her hand.
Hes going to kiss her.
JACK
Youre not getting away from me.
RACHEL
(looking past)
Jack...
A white man bee-lines them from across the street, looks like
a real CRACKER. Jack on guard, gets in front of Rachel.
JACK
Get back, Rae. Go back.
Cracker stops square across from him.
Jacks fists balled.
CRACKER
I want you to know something.
JACK
Yeah, what's that?
CRACKER
I want you to know I'm pulling for
you to make good. And a lot of
folks here feel the same way. If a
man's got the goods, he deserves a
fair chance. That's all.
(tips his hat)
Ma'am.
As Cracker walks away... Rachel takes Jacks hand.
CUT TO:
52
OMITTED
52
YELLOW REV 4-24-12

52A
EXT. PLAYING FIELD - DODGER DAYTONA FACILITY - DAY
41A.
52A
Rickey leans against his car watching a GROUNDSKEEPER push

mow the infield grass. Jack, in street clothes, joins him.
JACK
You wanted to see me, Mr. Rickey?
Rickey nods, consider the field a moment.
RICKEY
Bermuda grass grows so well here.
I wish we could get it to grow like
this in Brooklyn.
JACK
I like the way it smells when they
mow it.
PINK REV 4-19-12

Me, too.
RICKEY
Rickey consider the field a moment, then Jack.
42.
*
*
RICKEY
Jackie, its my pleasure to tell
you that youve earned a spot on
the Montreal Royals. When they
head north Tuesday for opening day
against Jersey City, youll be on
the train.
Jack trying to hold down his excitement.
JACK
I wont let you down.
RICKEY
I know that.
JACK
If you dont mind, Ive got to go
tell my wife.
RICKEY
Give her my regards.
Jack about to head off when he looks back..
JACK
Why are you doing this, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
Im an opportunist. With you and
the Negro players I hope to bring
up next year Ill put together a
team that can win the World Series.
And the World Series means money.
Jack studies him a beat, not quite buying it.
RICKEY
Dont you believe that?
JACK
I dont think what I believe is
important. Only what I do.
RICKEY
Agreed. Therefore, run the bases
like the Devil himself.
(MORE)
GREEN REV 4-27-12

RICKEY (CONT'D)
Worry those pitchers so they come
apart. Sometimes they'll catch
you, but don't worry about that.
Ty Cobb got caught plenty. Just
run as you see fit. Put the
natural fear of God into them.
43.
CUT TO:
53
EXT. DAYTONA BEACH TRAIN STATION - DAY
53
Ed Charles and his TWO FRIENDS follow Jack and the Montreal
PLAYERS as they walk toward the TRAIN waiting on the tracks.
Jack is one of the last to board. Hes almost through the
door when something stops him. He looks back at Ed.
A beat. Ed slowly raises his hand and waves. Jack smiles,
does the same, then disappears inside. The WHISTLE blows and
the train starts out of the station. On impulse Ed starts to
trot out after it. Staying close. His friends follow.
TRAIN TRACKS
The train picks up speed. The boys start to run. Arms
pumping, feet flying. One boy drops off. Then the other.
But Ed still runs. Chasing after that train carrying Jackie
Robinson. Finally, he stops, heaving for breath, watching
the train disappear around the bend. A lonely beat. Then -Ed gets down on his hands and knees. He sets his ear on the
rail, closes his eyes. A thrum comes off the rail. A huge
smile spreads. He straightens, shouts back to his friends:
ED
I CAN STILL HEAR HIM!
From somewhere, as the National Anthem ends...
CUT TO:
54
EXT. ROOSEVELT STADIUM - DAY
54
INSERT: April 18, 1946 - Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City.

Opening day of the International League Season.
A COLOR GUARD march away to REVEAL:
PLAY BALL!
HOME PLATE UMPIRE
30,000 FANS pack a stadium built for 24,500. Bunting and

flags everywhere. 1000s of black fans are here (segregated
only financially in New Jersey).
CUT TO:
WHITE 3-14-12
55
44.
EXT. HOME PLATE - ROOSEVELT STADIUM - DAY

Jack steps up to some BOOING, but much more APPLAUSE.
looks ready to beat the world.
55
He
INSERT: First inning.

CROWD VOICE
Come on, Jackie, this fella can't
pitch!
Speaking of the pitch, here it comes. Jack tops a WEAK
GROUNDER to short. As hes thrown out by a mile...
56
WENDELL SMITH & RACHEL
56
Sitting up off third. His knees knocked together to hold his

TYPEWRITER on his lap. Nothing to write about there. He
looks over at Rachel who puts her hand over her mouth.
You okay?
SMITH
RACHEL
I think I might be sick.
(standing)
Excuse me, Wendell.
He watches as she starts out, looks to the field.
SMITH
Id be sick at a swing like that,
too.
CUT TO:
57
INT. REST ROOM STALL - ROOSEVELT STADIUM - DAY
57
Rachel exits looking stricken. She steps over, splashes a

little water from the sink up into her face. An OLDER BLACK
WOMAN watches sympathetically.
OLDER WOMAN
Are you alright, honey?
Im sick.
RACHEL
I dont know why.
The older woman rolls off a piece of paper towel for her.
Thank you.
RACHEL (CONTD)
OLDER WOMAN
When did you have your monthly
last?
WHITE 3-14-12
Rachel looks over, taken aback.
Im late.
45.
But then...
RACHEL
OLDER WOMAN
It may be that youre pregnant.
The older woman offers a little smile, leaves her there.
INSERT: Third Inning.
P.A. ANNOUNCER
(echoing)
Now batting. Jackie Robinson.
CUT TO:
58
HOME PLATE
58
Jack steps up to bat. The JERSEY CITY GIANT PITCHER looks to

the Montreal RUNNER at first, glances over his shoulder at
the Montreal RUNNER at second, then focuses on home.
59
SMITH
59
His hands resting on the top of his typewriter.

SMITH
Come on, Jackie. Come on, batter.
60
RACHEL
60
Emerging up the runway. The field opening up before her.

Theres Jack standing down there. The sight of him settles
her. As she puts a hand gently over her belly...
61
THE PITCHER
61
Grimaces for something extra as he fires a high fastball -Jack UNLOADS. All heads turn to watch it sail -- high into
the left field bleachers, banging hard off the scoreboard.
62
SMITH
62
Nearly drops his typewriter, pushes his hat back as he

watches Jack start his home run trot. Smith laughs. Joy.
63
DUGOUT
63
Hopper cant believe his eyes.

HOPPER
Ill be damned...
Softly to himself:
WHITE 3-14-12
64
WERE WITH JACK
46.
64
As he runs the base paths.
Over it, a TYPEWRITER CLATTERS.
SMITH (O.S.)
Robinson jogged around the bases,
his heart singing...
The crowd loves it as he continues toward third where
Sukeforth is clapping for all hes worth.
SMITH (O.S.) (CONTD)
And our own hearts beat just a bit
faster, and the thrill ran through
us like champagne bubbles...
65
CLOSE ON RACHEL
65
Watching him head for home, shaking hands with the two men he
batted in. Pride & joy in her eyes.
Oh, Jack...
RACHEL
Oh Jack...
CUT TO:
66
CLOSE ON RACHEL
66
Suddenly in pain, face beaded in sweat.

Jack!
RACHEL
Jack!
INSERT: November 18, 1946.
Pasadena, California.
She is in labor and we are in Huntington Memorial Hospital.

A CRY. The DOCTOR holds up a slick, wailing NEWBORN.
Its a boy.
DOCTOR
As Rachel holds out her arms for him...

CUT TO:
67
INT. HALLWAY - MATERNITY WARD - PASADENA - NIGHT
67
Jack at the glass looking at JACKIE JR. Jacks eyes shine as

he regards his infant son. Its quiet. Jacks voice soft.
JACK
My daddy left. He left us flat in
Cairo, Georgia. I was only six
months older than you are now. I
dont remember him. Nothing good,
nothing bad. Nothing.
(MORE)
YELLOW REV 4-24-12

JACK (CONT'D)
(a beat)
But youre going to remember me.
And I am going to be with you until
the day I die.
47.
The stakes just got raised...

CUT TO:
68
INT. YMCA GYMNASIUM - DAY
68
THIRTY prominent BROOKLYN NEGRO leaders, representing a cross

section of civic responsibility, sit on folding chairs before
a dais where HERBERT MILLER making an introduction.
MILLER
As all of us know a young Negro
second baseman played north of the
border last season...
INSERT: Brooklyn YMCA.
February 5, 1947.
In back: TWO DEACONS in the back whisper over a SPORTS PAGE.

DEACON ONE
Look here what he did.
(reads)
Led the International League in
batting: .349, in stolen bases: 40,
runs scored: 113. Plus batted .400
in the Minor League World Series.
DEACON TWO
Last season doesnt matter. The
International League, it doesnt
matter. What matters is this year.
What matters is Brooklyn.
DEACON ONE
Shhh... Here he comes.
As Herbert Miller introduces...
MILLER
I present the general manager of
the Brooklyn Dodger baseball club,
Mr. Branch Rickey!
Warm APPLAUSE as Rickey steps up.
As it settles...
RICKEY
Good evening. I have something
very important to talk with you
about tonight. Something that will
require courage from all of us.
(a beat)
(MORE)
PINK REV 4-19-12

RICKEY (CONT'D)
I have a ballplayer on my Montreal
team named Jackie Robinson.
The start of applause.
Rickey motions for it to stop.
47A.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
48.
RICKEY
He may stay there or he may be
brought to Brooklyn. But if Jackie
does come up to the Dodgers, the
biggest threat to his success, the
one enemy most likely to ruin that
success, is the Negro people
themselves!
There is shocked silence in the room. Rickey notices a group
of KIDS watching from a raised running track, soldiers on:
*
*
RICKEY
I say it as cruelly as I can to
make you all realize the weight of
responsibility that is not only on
myself and the Dodgers, but on
Negroes everywhere. For on the day
Jackie enters the National League,
if he does, I have no doubt every
one of you will form parades and
welcoming committees. You'll
strut. You'll wear badges. You'll
hold Jackie Robinson days and
Jackie Robinson nights. You'll get
drunk, fight and be arrested.
This is too much.
People are slackjawed.
Rickey powers on.
RICKEY
You'll wine and dine him until he
is fat and futile. You'll
symbolize his importance into a
national comedy and yes, a tragedy!
So let me tell you this!
(pounds his fist)
If any group or segment of Negro
society uses the advancement of
Jackie Robinson in baseball as a
triumph of race over race, I will
regret the day I ever signed him to
a contract, and I will personally
see that baseball is never so
abused and misrepresented again!
Is he done? An embarrassed smattering of applause. Mostly
shock and stares. As Rickey stands there uncomfortably...
CUT TO:
69
INT. HALLWAY - YMCA - DAY
69
Rickey stands waiting; giving that speech has worn him out.
The door opens and Miller looks in on him.
WHITE 3-14-12
49.
MILLER
I question your bedside manner, Mr.
Rickey, but theyve agreed to set
up a committee of self-policing.
Well call it the 'Don't Spoil
Jackie's Chances' campaign.
RICKEY
Thank you, Mr. Miller. Im sorry;
the spotlight will be on us all.
CUT TO:
70
INT. BEDROOM - BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT
70
The silhouette of stately palms through the window. A PHONE

RINGS. A figure fumbles through silk sheets for the
receiver. Its LEO DUROCHER, a WOMEN in bed alongside him.
INSERT: Beverly Hills.
Yeah?
February 16, 1947.

DUROCHER
RICKEYS VOICE
Hello, Leo, what are you doing?
DUROCHER
I'm bowling. Wait, I'm snowshoeing
in the Alps. I'm trying to sleep,
Mr. Rickey. It's still dark out.
CUT TO:
71
INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - EARLY MORNING

Its very early in New York.
71
Rickey on the phone.
RICKEY
Another spring training is upon us.
In Panama. I need to know your
attitude toward Jackie Robinson.
72
72
DUROCHER
I dont got an attitude toward him.
The girl rolls over to look at him. She is the actress
LORRAINE DAY and she is stunning. As Durocher regards her...
RICKEY
Eight times in the Bible were told
to love our neighbor. Its one of
God's most repeated commands.
PINK REV 4-19-12
50.
She puts her hands on him. (Durocher addressing Rickey.)
Hi...
LORRAINE
(softly)
*
*
*
*
DUROCHER
I dont know much about the Bible.
LORRAINE
Me neither...
*
*
DUROCHER
But I didn't go to school just to
eat my lunch either. I'll play an
elephant if he can help us win. To
make room for him, I'll send my own
brother home if he's not as good.
*
*
LORRAINE
(in his ear)
What are you going to do with me?
*
*
*
DUROCHER
We're playing for money, Mr.
Rickey. Winning's the only thing
that matters. Is he a nice guy?
RICKEY
If by nice you mean soft, no, not
particularly.
DUROCHER
Good. He can't afford to be.
guys finish last.
Nice
LORRAINE
What about nice girls?
She starts to kiss him.
Its hard to concentrate.
RICKEY
So you have no objections to him?
DUROCHER
None whatsoever. Can I go back to
sleep now?
Yes.
What?
RICKEY
Oh -- and Leo?
DUROCHER
*
*
PINK REV 4-19-12
50A.
RICKEY
The Bible says a thing or two about
adultery as well.
DUROCHER
Im sure its got a lot to say
about a lot. Good night.
Durocher hangs up the phone, looks to her.
DUROCHER
What am I gonna do with you?
*
*
LORRAINE
Leo, I thought you knew...
*
*
As she kisses him...
*
CUT TO:
73
EXT. PEPPER STREET - PASADENA - DAY
73
Jack stands out front kissing Jackie Jr. good-bye as a CABBIE

muscles his LUGGAGE down the walkway to a waiting TAXI. Jack
kisses Mallie and hands off the baby. Mallie carries the boy
inside leaving Jack and Rachel alone to say goodbye.
BLUE REV 4-07-12
51.
RACHEL
Promise me youll write.
JACK
When did I ever not write?
RACHEL
I want you to know Im there for
you. Even if its words on paper.
Hes sees shes raw, takes her in his arms with the baby.
JACK
Rae, youre in my heart.
She sighs, rests her head on his shoulder.
RACHEL
Youre getting close now. The
closer you get, the worse theyll
be. Dont let them get to you.
I will not.
He kisses her.
JACK
God built me to last.
She kisses him back.
RACHEL
See you in Brooklyn in eight weeks.
JACK
It might be Montreal.
A certainty grips her.
She passes it on to him.
RACHEL
Its going to be Brooklyn.
it is.
Power in her words.
I know
He nods, looks off toward the taxi.
JACK
Ive got to go, Rae.
*
*
She nods. They kiss, embrace a last time. He starts away

down the walk. She watches. Something not quite right.
*
*
A tug as Jack stops, looks back at her. Fighting back her

emotion and then impelled forward, she runs to him. They
come together. She practically disappears in his arms. They
do not want to be apart.
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
WHITE 3-14-12
74
52.
INT. DINING ROOM - THE TIVOLI HOTEL - DAY

Durocher eats heartily.
74
Rickeys food is untouched.
DUROCHER
Its a pipe dream, Mr. Rickey.
Pipe dream?
pipe dream?
RICKEY
What do you mean by
INSERT: Panama City, Panama.
March 18, 1947.
DUROCHER
I mean it aint gonna happen. The
Dodgers are never gonna demand
Robinson be brought up from
Montreal. Ball players are
conservative.
RICKEY
A team full of tough war veterans?
Immigrants' sons? Boys from
impoverished parts of the country?
DUROCHER
It - aint - gonna - happen.
RICKEY
You really believe they wont
accept him? Once they see how he
plays, how he can help them win.
DUROCHER
Im not saying they wont accept
him: Im saying they wont ask for
him. Im saying Robinsons good
medicine, but theyre not gonna
like the taste. Im saying bend
over, boys, and get ready, this one
might hurt a little.
(another forkful)
Boy, this is good fish.
CUT TO:
75
KIRBY HIGBE - IN HIS TIVOLI HOTEL ROOM

As Higbe (South Carolina) finishes WRITING something on a
piece of hotel STATIONARY, Bragan (Alabama) looks to Dixie
Walker (Alabama) and Dodger pitcher HUGH CASEY (Georgia).
BRAGAN
Why do you think Rickeys got us
playing spring games in Panama?
(MORE)
75
BLUE REV 4-07-12

BRAGAN (CONT'D)
He wants to get us used to Negro
crowds. He wants more of them than
us. Hes hoping itll get us more
comfortable being around Robinson.
53.
Higbe clears his throat, reads what hes written:

HIGBE
We, the undersigned Brooklyn
Dodgers will not play ball on the
same field as Jackie Robinson.
Higbe signs it. He hands the pen to Bragan who adds his own
name. Casey signs with a flourish. Casey holds out the pen
to Walker who doesnt take it right away. An odd beat.
CASEY
If you wanna make your mark, Dixie,
we can witness it.
Everyone laughs; it loosens Walker up enough to sign.
CUT TO:
76
HOTEL ROOM DOOR
76
Higbe KNOCKS as Casey, Bragan and Walker crowd behind him.

Cmon in!
STANKYS VOICE
STANKYS ROOM
The boys enter. Eddie Stanky sits in a chair stripped to the
waist, soaking his right elbow in a BUCKET OF ICE.
STANKY
Whats goin on?
HIGBE
Got a petition goin on, Stank.
BRAGAN
To keep Robinson up in Montreal
where he belongs.
STANKY
Oh... Did Pee Wee sign it?
HIGBE
Aint asked him yet. What
difference does it make?
STANKY
None, just wonderin.
BLUE REV 4-07-12
54.
Stanky looks to Walker who looks away.

STANKY (CONTD)
(re: his right arm)
Cant sign now. Im indisposed.
Could I catch up with you later?
CUT TO:
77
PEE WEE REESE
77
Standing in the door to his room. Looking out at the glum

faces of Higbe, Bragan, Casey and Walker.
REESE
Look, its like this. I got a
wife, a baby, and I got no money.
I dont want to step in anything.
(to Walker)
Skip me, Dix, Im not interested.
WALKER
What if they put him at shortstop?
REESE
(shrugs)
If he's man enough to take my job,
I suppose he deserves it.
HIGBE
(laughs out loud)
The hell he does!
WALKER
He does not have the ice water in
his veins for big league baseball.
REESE
So let him show what hes got.
Robinson can play or he cant.
Itll all take care of itself.
CUT TO:
78
CARL FURILLO
78
The very son of immigrants Rickey was talking about.

Pennsylvania no less.
From
FURILLO
Give me the pen.
Higbe grins, hands it over.
As Furillo signs...
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12

79
55.
INT. LEO DUROCHERS ROOM - THE TIVOLI HOTEL - NIGHT
79
Durocher lays staring up at the palm shadows on the ceiling.

Finally, the phone rings. He answers.
DUROCHER
Yes, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEYS VOICE
Have our friends in the press gone
to sleep yet?
DUROCHER
We are the only people awake on
this entire isthmus, Mr. Rickey.
*
*
RICKEYS VOICE
A deliberate violation of the law,
needs a little show of force. I
leave it to you. Good night, Leo.
DUROCHER
Yes, Mr. Rickey.
*
*
CUT TO:
80
INT. HOTEL KITCHEN - NIGHT
80
Deserted. Durocher stands in a hotel bathrobe, arms crossed

as his PLAYERS and COACHES file in. Bleary-eyed, halfdressed, theyre all here, all wondering what this is about.
Suddenly, Durocher grabs the handle of an industrial-sized
SOUP POT and heaves it across the room. BRWANG-RANG-RANG!
DUROCHER
Wake up, ladies! Wake the Hell up!
(a stunned beat)
Its come to my attention that some
of you fellas don't want to play
with Robinson. That you even got a
petition drawn up that you're all
gonna sign. Well boys, you know
what you can do with your petition?
YOU CAN WIPE YOUR ASSES WITH IT!
WALKER
Cmon, Leo...
DUROCHER
Come on what?!
TAN REV 6-25-12

WALKER
Ball players gotta live together,
shower together, it's not right to
force him on us. Besides, I own a
hardware store back home and I --
55A.
PINK REV 4-19-12
56.
DUROCHER
Screw your hardware store, Dix!
And if you don't like it, screw
you! Mr. Rickey'll be happy to
make other arrangements for you.
Durocher suddenly marches to Higbe, looks like hes going to
belt him. As Higbe gulps, Durocher turns to the team.
DUROCHER
I don't care if hes yellow or
black or has stripes like a zebra,
if Robinson can help us win, and
everything I've seen says he can,
then he's gonna play on this ball
club. Like it, lump it, make your
mind up to it because he's coming!
And think about this when your
heads hit the pillow, he's only the
first, boys, only the first. More
are coming right behind him. They
have talent and they wanna play!
He lets that sink a moment.
DUROCHER
Yes, sir, they're gonna come diving
and scratching. So I'd forget your
petition and worry about the field.
Because unless you fellas pay a
little more attention to your work,
they are going to run you right out
of the ball park! A petition?
(looks them over)
Are you ballplayers or lawyers?
As he marches past them and through the doors...
CUT TO:
81
OMITTED
81
82
OMITTED
82
PINK REV 4-19-12
57.
83
OMITTED
83
84
EXT./INT. DUGOUT - PANAMA PRACTICE FIELD - DAY
84
Jack in his Montreal uniform headed off the field for the
dugout. Sukeforth headed over wearing Dodger blue.
Robinson!
SUKEFORTH
*
*
*
*
As Jack turns, Sukeforth tosses him a FIRST BASEMANS GLOVE.

JACK
What do you want me to do with
this?
*
*
SUKEFORTH
Play first base.
JACK
Ive never played first base in my
life, Coach.
*
*
*
SUKEFORTH
Well, its like this. Brooklyns
got a solid second baseman. And
they got Pee Wee Reese at short.
But first base is up for grabs.
Are you catching my drift?
*
*
*
JACK
(nods)
Yeah. I dont need a glove to do
that.
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
58.
85
OMITTED
85
86
JACK - PRACTICE FIELD
86
Coach Sukeforth, getting balls from a bucket, hitting

grounders down to Jack at first. The short hops are wicked.
Jack rolls his catches over to a little PANAMANIAN KID who
chucks them down to his brother who tosses them back to
Sukeforth. As Jack struggles...
*
*
*
PANAMANIAN KID
El es muy malo.
*
*
SUKEFORTH
Mr. Rickey said he wants you
playing conspicuous baseball!
(whack)
To be so good the Dodgersll demand
you on the team!
(whack)
So I thought about it awhile and
then I looked up conspicuous in the
dictionary.
(whack)
It means to attract notice or
attention.
Jack dives, spears a liner.
Sukeforth tilts back his cap.
SUKEFORTH
Conspicuous.
CUT TO:
87
OMITTED
87
PINK REV 4-19-12
59.
88
OMITTED
88
89
INT. RICKEYS OFFICE - THE TIVOLI HOTEL - DAY
89
Bobby Bragan sits across from Rickey looking defiant.

RICKEY
Bragan, most of your teammates have
recanted on this petition nonsense.
Are you really here to tell me you
don't want to play with Robinson?
BRAGAN
Yes, Sir. My friends back in
Birmingham would never forgive me.
RICKEY
And your friends here in Brooklyn?
(Bragan just shrugs)
Then I will accommodate you. If
you give me your word that you will
try your very best for this team
until I can work out a trade.
That gets Bragans goat.
He jumps up, really mad.
BRAGAN
Do you think I would quit on
anyone?! I dont quit.
RICKEY
Only on yourself apparently.
can go, Bragan.
You
CUT TO:
89A
SECOND BASE - PANAMA - DAY
89A
Time slowed way down as Jack takes a throw at second from the
Montreal shortstop. He pivots to turn the double-play even
as Dixie Walker barrels in low.
*
*
*
All Jackies focus on the task at hand as he throws while

Walker submarines him. He lands in a heap tangled up
together. They both look back to see the result of the play.
*
*
*
As Robinson smiles and Walker scowls, we know...
RICKEYS VOICE
Send Dixie in.
*
*
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12

90
DIXIE WALKER
60.
90
Sitting down across from Rickey.

RICKEY
I received your letter, Dixie.
(reads)
Recently, the thought has occurred
to me that a change of ball clubs
would benefit both the Brooklyn
Baseball Club and myself.
(to Walker)
This is about Robinson?
WALKER
Im keeping my reasons private.
Hope you can respect that, sir.
RICKEY
I realize, Dixie, that you have a
Southern upbringing, that you would
have to subordinate your feelings
for the welfare of this venture. I
for one would deeply appreciate it.
I think we can all learn something.
WALKER
What I have, Mr. Rickey, is a
hardware store back home. Its
called Dixie Walkers. Folks dont
come because I have the lowest
prices, they come because its
called Dixie Walkers. Understand?
And I make as much money owning
that store as I do playing for you.
RICKEY
Is that what youre you afraid of?
(he doesnt answer)
Bragans a third-stringer, but you
bat clean-up. Youre popular in
Brooklyn. Children look up to you!
WALKER
You got my letter; can I go?
RICKEY
Ill start looking for a trade or a
sale. But it wont happen until I
get value in return. Until then I
expect you to drive in runs.
WALKER
I always have. Thats my job.
*
*
CUT TO:

91
61.
EXT. PENN STATION - NIGHT

INSERT: Manhattan.
91
April 8, 1947.
Jack exits with his luggage. Looking for a cab, he sees

Smith waiting. Smith offers a salute. Jack looks grumpy as
he steps over. The Buick waiting beyond.
You again.
JACK
Smith leans back, blinks.

SMITH
Thats right. Me again.
wrong with that, Jack?
Come on.
Jack continues past.
Something
JACK
As Smith follows...
CUT TO:
92
INT. SMITHS BUICK - 34TH STREET - NIGHT

Traffic heavy.
92
A glum silence in the car until...
SMITH
They cant keep you on Montreal for
long. After these exhibition
games, theyve got to bring you up.
(no reply)
You dont have two words to rub
together, do you?
JACK
Do I have to entertain you?
More silence, then...
SMITH
You ever wonder why I sit out in
right field with my typewriter on
my knees? Does that ever cross
your mind?
Jack stares out the passenger window, not in the mood.
looks up at some of the taller buildings they pass...
As he
SMITH
Its because Negro reporters arent
allowed in the press box.
Jack doesnt answer, doesnt look over. Finally Smith starts
talking to himself. Pretending to be Jack.
*
*

SMITH AS JACK
You know, Wendell, I never asked
you where you were from?
62.
*
SMITH
Why I'm from Detroit, Jack.
SMITH AS JACK
You dont say? Tell me more.
SMITH
My daddy used to work at Fair Lane.
That was Mr. Ford's estate. My
daddy was Mr. Henry Ford's cook.
SMITH AS JACK
I did not know that.
SMITH
Cooked for him for years, but never
once broke bread with him. Id go
to work with daddy sometimes. Play
baseball out on the lawn with Mr.
Ford's grandchildren. We all had a
real good time. But it was
understood, if they got tired of
playing ball and moved inside to
the bowling alley or swimming pool,
I was not invited or allowed. The
grass was as far as I got. So
guess what? Youre not the only
one with something at stake here.
JACK
(after a beat)
If I start talking, will you stop?
SMITH
Id be happy to.
Smith stops at a red light.
JACK
I apologize. Youve been there for
me through this more than anyone
besides Rae and Mr. Rickey. But I
guess thats what bothers me.
SMITH
How do you mean?
JACK
I dont like needing someone to be
there for me. I dont like needing
anyone but myself. I never have.
63.
SMITH
You are a hard case, Jack Robinson.
Is it okay if I keep driving you or
should I let you out so you can
walk?
Jack bursts out laughing.
So does Smith.
JACK
You remember the last time we were
at a red light? Down in Florida?
*
*
*
SMITH
New York City now, baby.
come a long way.
*
*
*
Weve
JACK
And we got a long way to go.
The light turns green.
*
*
Off they go.
*
CUT TO:
93

Rickey reads to Parrott from the New York Sun.
RICKEY
Branch Rickey cannot afford to
upset team chemistry and so the
only thing keeping Robinson off the
Dodgers now, plainly, is the
attitude of the players.
INSERT:
Brooklyn.
April 9, 1947.
RICKEY
If it softens at the sight of
Jackie's skills, he'll join the
club some time between April 10 and
April 15. Otherwise, Robinson will
spend the year back in Montreal.
(throws paper down)
For the love of Pete, he batted
.625 in the exhibition games
against them, us, them -- Against
us! Judas Priest!
Rickey flummoxed as the phone RINGS from the outer office.
PARROTT
Maybe you could have Durocher hold
a press conference. Demand that he
get Robinson on his team.
93
63A.
RICKEY
Durocher. Of course, hes my ace
in the hole. Very good, Harold.
The phone still rings.
Jane Ann!
Rickey looks to his open door.

RICKEY
Are you out there?
Grumbling, brambly eyebrows twitching, he makes the mistake

of answering his own phone.
WHITE 3-14-12
64.
RICKEY (CONTD)
Branch Rickey... Youre speaking
to him... The Commissioner of
what..? Oh, yes put him on.
(looks to Parrott)
The commissioner of baseball.
CUT TO:
94
INT. COMMISSIONERS OFFICE - DAY
94
HAPPY CHANDLER gets a manicure. Always jovial, a head like

an anvil with hair parted in the middle, he picks up a phone.
HAPPY
Branch, how are you?
RICKEY
Fine. What can I do for you, Happy?
HAPPY
Branch, how would you feel about
losing Durocher for a year?
Rickey switches the phone from one ear to the other.
RICKEY
Im sorry, Happy, I thought you
said lose Durocher for a year.
HAPPY
Yes. He was seen in Havana with
known gamblers.
RICKEY
Anyone who sets foot in Havana is
seen with known gamblers.
HAPPY
Its not just one thing, its an
accumulation. I received notice
today from the Catholic Youth
Organization. Vowing a ban on
baseball unless Durocher is
punished for his moral looseness.
RICKEY
Youre joking.
HAPPY
Its this business with the actress
in California. Shes recently
divorced and Durocher is the cause.
They may even be illegally married.
PINK REV 4-19-12
65.
RICKEY
Now Im sure youre joking.
Happy checks his nails, returns his hand to the MANICURIST.
HAPPY
I wish I were. The CYO buy a lot
of tickets, Branch. They draw a
lot of water and I cant afford to
ruffle their feathers. Am I mixing
metaphors there?
RICKEY
You know very well my organization
is about to enter a tempest. I
need Durocher at the rudder. Hes
the only man who can handle this
much trouble, who loves it in fact.
Youre chopping off my right hand!
HAPPY
I have no choice. I'm going to
have to sit your manager, Branch.
Leo Durocher is suspended from
baseball for a year.
RICKEY
You cant do that!
of a bitch!
DIAL TONE.
Happy, you son
Rickey steadies himself, looks to Parrott.

RICKEY
Trouble ahead, Harold.
Trouble.
CUT TO:
95
INT. DODGER LOCKER ROOM - EBBETS FIELD - DAY
95
Durocher, in a suit, cleans out his locker. Carefully

each item in a cardboard box. Finished, he closes the
door. CLICK. And then -- WHAM! -- Drives his fist in,
it off its hinges. He picks up his box, quietly walks
96
OMITTED
sets
locker
taking
out.
CUT TO:
96
PINK REV 4-19-12
66.
97
OMITTED
97
98
OMITTED
98
99
OMITTED
99
99A
INT. MCALPIN HOTEL ROOM - EARLY MORNING
99A
RING... Jack asleep in bed, fumbles for the receiver.
INSERT: April 10, 1947.
Hello?
JACK
*
*
JANE ANNS VOICE

Mr. Robinson, this is Jane Ann in
Mr. Rickeys office. He needs to
see you right away. He has a
contract for you to sign.
*
*
*
*
*
That wakes him up.
99B
CUT TO:
99B
Jack sits at the desk. Alone. He looks back over his

shoulder at the GOLDFISH. As one of them stares back, Rickey
enters with the CONTRACT in question. He sets it down before
Jack, hands him a pen.
*
*
*
*
RICKEY
Im so sorry about the rush.
Events are unfolding too fast to
keep up with. The burden has
finally fallen to me and so be it.
*
*
*
*
*
JACK
(points)
Sign here?
*
*
*
Yes, yes.
RICKEY
As Jack poises the pen -- Rickey suddenly aghast.

Stop!
RICKEY
The pen a millimeter over the page.

RICKEY
History. And Im blabbing,
blabbing through history... Rushing
it along. What am I thinking?
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
TAN REV 6-25-12

99C
66A.
RICKEYS OUTER OFFICE
99C
Rickey sticks his head out the door.

RICKEY
Jane Ann, come in here.
(hollering down hall)
Harold!
Parrott sticks his head out from an office down the hall.
RICKEY
Get some employees up here!
*
CUT TO:
99D
RICKEYS DESK
99D
Where Jack Robinson signs his contract. As he sets the pen

down -- Rickey starts APPLAUDING. Hes joined by Parrott,
JANE ANN and a JANITOR. Rickey claps Jack on the shoulder.
RICKEY
Harold, telegram the press. Say
this: The Brooklyn Dodgers today
purchased the contract of Jackie
Robinson from the Montreal Royals.
He will report immediately.
As Jack takes it in, hes the only one not smiling.
CUT TO:
99E
INT. HALLWAY - ISUM HOUSE - PASADENA - DAWN

The phone rings.
Hello?
99E
Rachel answers in her nightgown.

RACHEL
JACKS VOICE
Rae, Im in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn... Rachel lets out a triumphant WHOOP!
RACHEL
What did I tell you?
CUT TO:
100
EXT. NIGHTSCAPE - NEW YORK MIDTOWN SKYLINE - NIGHT
100
A few lights twinkle, but this city does occasionally sleep.
TAN REV 6-25-12

101
67.
JACK
101
This man does not. He stands bare chested in his boxers

staring out the window of a MCALPIN HOTEL ROOM. Considering
the world before him. Wondering where his place is in it.
3 AM.
Its a lonely moment. Until Rachel appears behind him in her

nightgown. She wraps her arms around him, looks over his
shoulder at the world out there. Finally, softly...
RACHEL
I love you...
As he closes his eyes, absorbs it...
CUT TO:
102
INT. AISLE - SINGERS DRUG STORE - BROOKLYN - DAY
102
Jack cruises down, stops in front of the PEPTO BISMOL.

11 AM.
As he grabs a bottle -- a man on the other side pulls one out

as well. Jack finds himself looking at Pee Wee Reese.
JUMP AHEAD TO:
103
EXT. SINGERS DRUG STORE - BROOKLYN - DAY
103
Jack and Reese exit together, each with a bottle of Pepto

Bismol in hand. Reese hefts his bottle.
REESE
Opening day nerves. Doing my
stomach something awful.
Jack nods in commiseration. Its awkward between them.
RUMBLE as a GARBAGE TRUCK goes by.
REESE
There goes another one.
(smiles)
Every time I see a garbage truck go
by I still cant figure why the guy
driving isnt me.
JACK
(smiles back)
Wed both better get on base.
Reese nods.
They start walking toward the stadium.
TAN REV 6-25-12
68.
REESE
Know when I first heard of you?
No I dont.
JACK
REESE
On a troop transport, coming back
from Guam. A sailor heard it on
the radio, told me the Dodgers had
signed a Negro player. I said that
was fine by me. Then he said the
guy was a shortstop. Least you
were then. That got me thinking.
Thinking gets me scared.
Jack smiles, hefts his bottle of Pepto.
JACK
Black, white, were both pink
today, huh?
(Reese nods)
You still scared, Pee Wee?
REESE
(looks down street)
Of garbage trucks? Terrified.
CUT TO:
103A EXT. EBBETS STADIUM - DAY
The Taj Mahal of baseball.
INSERT: Ebbets Field.
103A
Opening day.
Brooklyn.
*
CUT TO:
104
INT. DODGER LOCKER ROOM - DAY
104
Some guys quiet, some guys joking around. Everyone in some

version of getting out of their street clothes or into their
uniforms. The entire operation comes to a halt as -Jack enters. As he walks past -- some players nod hello.
Others look like Sphinxes. Walker turns and faces his
locker. Gene Hermanski and Branca step over to SHAKE HANDS.
HERMANSKI
Im Hermanski. Welcome to Brooklyn.
Hey, man.
BRANCA
Ralph Branca.
Last, but not least, Spider Jorgensen, his Montreal teammate.
TAN REV 6-25-12

JORGENSEN
We made it, Jack, huh?
68A.
Good luck.
Thats it. Everyone else is too busy to come over. As Jack

scans for a locker with his name on it, BABE HAMBURGER, the
clubhouse manager, steps over.
WHITE 3-14-12
69.
BABE
Youre looking for your locker,
huh, kid? Follow me.
They walk over to a hook on the wall.
it. A FOLDING CHAIR below.
A uniform hangs from
BABE (CONTD)
I just got the word. Best I could
do. Ill get you straightened out
tomorrow though, huh?
Jack nods, unbuttoning his shirt... Stanky is suddenly there.
All pugnacity as he gives up 4 inches and 40 pounds to Jack.
STANKY
You're putting on that uniform, it
means you're on my team. But before
I play with you I want you to know
how I feel about it. I want you to
know I don't like it. I want you
to know I don't like you.
Jack regards him.
Stanky doesnt flinch.
Maybe he should.
JACK
That's fine. Thats how I prefer
it. Right out in the open.
CUT TO:
105
HOT DOG VENDER - EBBETS FIELD
105
Standing before his steaming HOT DOG STAND.

VENDOR
Cmon, Brooklyn! Get your Harry M.
Stevens special here!
As he hands one over, gets his .20 cents in return.
Hey, Lady!
Then:
VENDOR (CONTD)
Rachel looks over, baby Jackie in her arms. The vendor takes
a baby bottle out of the hot water in his STEAMER.
VENDOR (CONTD)
I think its ready.
CUT TO:
106
JACK ROOSEVELT ROBINSON - DODGER CLUBHOUSE
106
Looking at himself in a MIRROR. Standing in his uniform, the

clean white wool, the flowing script: Dodgers. It fits.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
70.
We FOLLOW HIM past Stanky as he goes. Follow the BLUE 42 on

his back as he steps through the clubhouse.
107
MAKES HIS WAY UP THE TUNNEL.
107
Always on that magic number as he comes up through the Dodger

DUGOUT and steps onto...
108
EBBETS FIELD
108
PHOTOGRAPHERS snap photos, the crowd spot him and CHEER.

109
RACHEL
109
Watches from the stands. Pleased at the cheering.

the baby up to see, whispers to him....
She holds
RACHEL
Okay, okay, thats good.
As Jackies eyes find hers...
CUT TO:
110
THE PLAYERS LINED UP FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
110
The Dodgers down one baseline, the BOSTON BRAVES down the
other. Forty-nine white players and one black. Jack at the
end alongside Ralph Branca. Jack trying not to choke up.
EVERETT MCCOOEY
Oer the land of the free! And the
home of the brave!
CUT TO:
111
EXT. DODGER DUGOUT - DAY

The players not starting return to the dugout.
catches up with Branca.
BRAGAN
Youre crazy standing that close to
him.
BRANCA
What do you mean?
BRAGAN
(laughing)
What if the sharpshooter misses and
hits you instead?
BRANCA
You got a serious problem, Bragan,
you know that?
111
Bragan
WHITE 3-14-12
Really?
71.
BRAGAN
I dont see it.
CUT TO:
112
BRANCH RICKEY
Surveying the scene.
112
Parrott alongside.
RICKEY
Opening day, Harold. The world is
all future and no past.
PARROT
A blank page, sir.
113
INT. BROADCAST BOOTH - EBBETS FIELD - DAY
113
RED BARBER looks down onto the field.

BARBER
One out in the bottom of the first.
Headed toward the plate for his
first big league at bat is Dodger
rookie Jackie Robinson. Jackie is
very definitely brunette.
114
JACK
114
Walks toward the plate.
More cheers.
Mostly.
FAN
Were with you, Jackie!
FAN #2
Hey, boy, how about a shine?!
Jack struggles not to look back at the source of the jeer.
He settles in at the plate. JOHNNY SAIN on the mound waiting
for the sign. The crowd BUZZING.
BARBERS VOICE
Sain looking in. When hes got
that fastball working, he can toss
a lamb chop past a hungry wolf.
The BRAVES CATCHER signals 1.
Its down the third base line.
Here come the pitch.
CRACK!
The THIRD BASEMAN is going to need every ounce of his arm as

he fields it at the line, throw across his body to -FIRST. Where Jacks foot hits the bag an instant before the
ball smacks into the first basemans mitt.
TAN REV 6-25-12

Youre out!
72.
UMPIRE
Jack cant believe it. As he trots toward the dugout he

looks at the umpire who looks back: I dare you to complain.
STANDS
As the Brooklyn faithful BOO the call, Rachel and Smith watch
Jack head decisively toward the dugout. He was safe.
Rickey sits down closer to the dugout.
RICKEY
Its a game of inches, Jackie!
PARROTT
Get some glasses, ump!
CUT TO:
115
OMITTED
115
116
OMITTED
116
117
OMITTED
117
118
OMITTED
118
118A
118A INT. HALLWAY - DODGER OFFICES - DAY

BURT SHOTTON, 62, walks down the hallway with Parrott.
PARROTT
Hows Florida, Burt?
*
*
SHOTTON
Roses need pruning, but fine when I
left it last night. Branch said it
was important and I heard about
Leo. Any idea what this is about?
*
*
*
*
*
PARROTT
Youd better just talk to him.
*
*
A beat as they reach the door.

Come in!
Parrott knocks.
RICKEYS VOICE
118B INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY

Rickey smiles from his desk as they enter.
*
*
118B
*
*
TAN REV 6-25-12

RICKEY
Baseball has returned to Brooklyn,
Burt. Another season is underway.
73.
*
SHOTTON
Yeah, its a shame about Leo.
RICKEY
Inevitable I suppose. I asked him
if she was worth it and he said
yes. Hows the retirement?
SHOTTON
The roses --
*
*
RICKEY
It's a helluva thing when a man has
good health and enough money and
absolutely nothing to do.
*
*
SHOTTON
Im perfectly happy.
*
*
Its fine.
Is that so?
RICKEY
SHOTTON
When I took off that Cleveland
uniform two years ago, I promised
the Mrs. Id never put on another
uniform again. Roses look great
and I sleep a whole lot better.
*
*
*
*
RICKEY
Roses and sleep are two wonderful
things, Burt. But sleep you can
get inside your casket and flowers
look good on top of it. You dont
look like a dead man to me.
*
*
*
*
*
*
SHOTTON
Whats this about, Branch?
*
*
TAN REV 6-25-12
73A.
RICKEY
I need you to manage the Dodgers.
Were a ship without a captain;
theres a typhoon ahead.
*
*
SHOTTON
No, Im sorry, but no.
*
*
RICKEY
Do you miss the game, Burt? Look
me in the eye and tell me you
dont.
*
*
*
*
Shotton considers Rickey a beat and then looks away.
SHOTTON
Baseballs the only life for an old
pepper pot like me, but I promised
my wife, Branch.
*
*
RICKEY
You promised her you wouldnt put
on another uniform. You didnt
promise her you wouldnt manage.
Wear a suit and tie; Connie Mack
still does.
(a beat)
You remember how to get to the Polo
Grounds, Burt?
*
*
*
*
*
*
SHOTTON
Branch, I --
*
*
RICKEY
You remember what the peanuts smell
like roasting, how the crack of the
bat sounds, the roar of the crowd?
*
*
*
*
Sure...
SHOTTON
*
*
Rickey tosses him a set of car keys.
RICKEY
My cars parked right out front.
Harold will show you where. Now
what do you say?
Okay.
*
*
SHOTTEN
*
CUT TO:
PINK REV 4-19-12

119
74.
INT. VISITORS LOCKER ROOM - POLO GROUNDS - HARLEM - DAY 119

Shotton addresses the half-dressed Dodgers, Jack included.
SHOTTON
Men, I dont have much to say.
Just, don't be afraid of old Burt
Shotton as a manager. You can win
the pennant in spite of me. I can
not possibly hurt you.
The Dodgers trade looks. Not exactly inspirational.
Shotton heads out he pauses by Jack.
As
SHOTTON
Are you Robinson?
(Jack nods)
I thought so.
Shotton pats Jack on the shoulder, continues on his way.
CUT TO:
120
INT. PRESS BOX - THE POLO GROUNDS - DAY
120
A huge CROWD beyond. Bob Cooke of the Herald Tribune (seen

at the Waldorf Astoria) holds court as Jack is ANNOUNCED.
COOKE
Mark my words and circle this date.
Negroes are going to run the white
man straight out of baseball. Im
not prejudiced; its physiological.
They have a longer heel bone.
Gives em an unfair speed advantage.
121
JACK - POLO GROUNDS
121
Standing dead still at the plate, bat cocked and ready.

BARBERS VOICE
Heres Robinson. Jackie holds that
club down by the end. Rear foot on
the back line of the box. Slight
open stance, bent at the knees...
*
*
*
*
*
Giants pitcher DAVE KOSLO goes into his wind-up and throws.
Jack swings. CRACK. The ball screams out to left. Home
run! The crowd goes crazy. This is what they came to see.
122
PRESS BOX
122
Typewriters pounding away as Jack finishes his home run trot.

Bob Cooke watching thoughtfully as...
PINK REV 4-19-12
74A.
ANOTHER REPORTER
Was that because his heels are
longer, Bob?!
As everyone cracks up, everyone but Bob...
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12

123
INT. LAWSON BOWMAN'S CAF - HARLEM - NIGHT
75.
123
Jack and Rachel out for dinner. Jack nodding as BLACK

PATRONS pass by, saying encouraging things. He almost gets a
forkful of food to his mouth before a MENU and a PEN are
offered for an autograph. As he signs, a FLASH BULB goes
off. In a lull, Jack cuts his steak, low to Rachel.
JACK
Im not complaining, I just, I
dont know what they want.
RACHEL
(beaming)
They want to see if Jackie Robinson
is real. They want to see your
pride, your dignity. Because then
they'll see it in themselves.
Hes stopped short.
She blinks with mock coquettish modesty.
RACHEL (CONTD)
And me? Im just young and scared
and amazed at how brave you are.
He grins at her, almost gets a forkful in when LAWSON BOWMAN,
the Black owner, pulls up a chair, shakes Jacks hand.
OWNER
Im Lawson Bowman, Jack, the owner
of this joint. Hows the steak?
JACK
Im not sure yet.
It looks good.
CUT TO:
123A INT. 526 MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY (MONTAGE)
123A
BATHROOM MIRROR - Steamed. A finger traces 42 in the steam

on the glass, then wipes it clean to reveal Rachel. Hair
wrapped in a towel, she looks at herself, frowns.
*
*
*
INSERT: Brooklyn, April 22, 1947.
DRYING DIAPERS - Hang like pennants on a line stretched

across the BEDROOM. Rachel ducks under them to retrieve her
shoes. She looks at them, frowns.
*
*
*
RACHEL - Brushing her teeth. Pauses to hold the toothbrush

in a batting stance. Swings...
*
*
RACHEL - Strains to reach to zip her dress up. She pulls at

the edges of the dress, straightens herself out. She looks
over at Jack Jr. who watches from his crib.
*
*
*
75A.
RACHEL
Youre lucky youre a boy.
DOORWAY - Dressed to go, Rachel holding the baby, looking
anxiously out on the street. Suddenly, ALICE the baby-sitter
is there. Here she comes up the steps, opens the door.
ALICE
Sorry Im late. Class ran long.
Its okay.
RACHEL
Rachel gently hands the baby over.

RACHEL
Its so cold and raw out, I dont
want him getting sick at the game.
ALICE
Hell be nice and warm here.
RACHEL
(checks her watch)
Im going to be late.
She kisses him goodbye, frowns as she heads outside -123B EXT. MACDONOUGH STREET - DAY
123B
A forboding sky above as Rachel hurries along. Pulling her

jacket on as she goes. Its going to be a cold day.
RED BARBERS VOICE
The skys are leaden. Threatening.
Eddie Stanky safe at first as
Robinson steps to the plate.
124
124
The
RED BARBERS VOICE

The skys are leaden. Threatening.
Eddie Stanky safe at first as
Robinson steps to the plate.
Jack walk to the plate, digs a cleat into the batters box...
Hey!
*
*
*
*
*
*
EXT. ON DECK CIRCLE - EBBETS FIELD - DAY

Brooklyn vs. Philadelphia. The bottom of the first.
crowd CHEERS. Stanky safe on first.
CHAPMANS VOICE
Hey you black Nigger!
Jack looks to the visitors dugout where the Phillies Alabamaborn manager BEN CHAPMAN stands at the top of the steps.

CHAPMAN
Why dont you go back to the cotton
fields where you belong!
75AA.
GREEN REV 4-27-12
76.
The bear baiting has begun. Jack is in a kind of temporary

shock. Thats the Phillies manager! In uniform.
CHAPMAN
Or did you swing your way out of
the jungle?! Bring me a banana!
124A RED BARBER - IN THE BOOTH
124A
BARBER
Chapman the Phillies manager up on
the top step, seems to be chirping
something out to Robinson. Chapman
a hothead during his playing days
with the Yankees.
125
RICKEY - IN THE STANDS
125
Sitting next to Parrott.
He leans forward, unsure.
RICKEY
Whats he saying?
126
VISITOR DUGOUT
126
Chapman joined by two of his PHILLIE BENCH PLAYERS.

PHILLIE ONE
Go home, Nigger!
PHILLIE TWO
Go back to Africa!
Phillie pitcher DUTCH LEONARD looks in. Jack has to try to

concentrate on the pitch. Here it comes. A fastball well
inside. Jack hits the deck to keep from getting beaned.
Bojangles!
snowflake!
CHAPMAN
You sure can dance,
STANKY
On first, mouth hanging open. Almost forgets to take a lead.
It's an instant Rorschach test.
DODGER DUGOUT
Shotton and the players look stricken. Even Walker doesnt
quite know what to make of it. No one enjoys it, but Higbe.
STANDS
CONCESSION MEN walk closer to listen. The fans range from
horrified to some mildly pleased. Rachel looks stricken.
PINK REV 4-19-12
76A.
JACK
A fastball inside. He leaps back again. This one was even
closer to hitting him. As Jack glares at Dutch...
Ball two!
UMPIRE
CHAPMANS VOICE
Hey, black boy! Hey, shoe shine!
WHITE 3-14-12
77.
Jack doesnt want to look over, but he is compelled. The

bench players flanking Chapman look furious, but Chapman is
doing this with a sick sort of glee.
CHAPMAN
You like white girls?! Huh?!
Which one of them Dodger boys'
wives are you climbing on tonight?!
Chapman looks toward...
DODGER DUGOUT
They dont like that one.
CHAPMAN (CONTD)
Oh, I think I got it. Dixie, I
believe I know!
JACK
Grips the bat. Watches for the next pitch with bloody
mindedness. He hacks at it, lofts a routine fly into left.
Hes about halfway down to first when the left fielder
catches it and Jack can mercifully return to the dugout.
127
RICKEY
127
Rickey watches as he disappears inside.

128
Finally exhales.
BENCH
128
Jack sits down. No one says anything to him. No one comes

near him as he stares ahead, trapped in a kind of void. The
closest player to him is Bobby Bragan. Bragan finally
manages to glance over at him, then looks quickly away.
CUT TO:
129
RACHEL
129
As the Dodgers take the field, Jack heads to first.

wincing, wondering if its going to start again.
Almost
RACHEL
(under her breath)
Look at me, baby. Look at me.
Finally, Jack glances up to her. She offers her eyes: Im
with you. He looks away. Her witnessing makes it worse.
130
BEN CHAPMAN
Settles back in the shadows of the dugout.
130
Finished for now.
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12

131
78.
DODGER SCOREBOARD
No score.
131
Bottom of the 3rd.
INFIELD
Spider Jorgensen takes a lead off first. At the plate,
Stanky lines a single to right. Jorgensen holds at second.
JACK
Steps to the batters box, starts digging in that back foot.
VISITORS DUGOUT
As Chapman emerges with his two bench players.
PHILLIE ONE
Hey, Nigger lips!
PHILLIE TWO
Partys over, jungle bunny!
CHAPMAN
Hey, Pee Wee! Dixie! Whats this
Nigger doing for you all to let him
drink from the same water fountain
as you?! I hope its worth it!
JACK
Waiting for the pitch. Takes a mighty swing -- CRACKS a
towering POP-UP between home plate and the mound. Dutch
watches his catcher Seminick settle under it. Waiting.
DUTCH
Hey, is that a home run!?
SEMINICK
Yeah! If you're playing in an
elevator shaft!
Jack veers off the first baseline.
Heads for the dugout.
CHAPMAN
You dont belong! Look in a mirror!
This is a white mans game. Get it
through your thick monkey skull!
Jack stops short looks at him.
Chapman stands his ground.
RICKEY
Stands, watches. Praying this doesnt go south. As Jack
finally continues on, Rickey closes his eyes in relief.
RACHEL
Sick for her husband.
WHITE 3-14-12
79.
THE DUGOUT
Jack stalks down past the team. No one looks at him. Bragan
is ashamed. Dixie tries to look disinterested. Stanky and
Reese exchange a helpless glance as Jack continues into:
132
THE TUNNEL
132
Like a bull on his way to slaughter, he revolts. WHAM-WHAM!

He proceeds to turn his bat into SPLINTERS. Concrete chips,
wood flies. Jack drops the handle of the bat, pounds his
fists. Heaving for breath, framed by the empty tunnel. Raw,
electric, ungovernable. All the anger on display, the fury.
FEET SCRAPE. Jack looks up to see Rickey standing there,
watching, afraid to get too much closer.
JACK
To hell with this. The next white
son of a bitch who opens his mouth,
I'll smash his goddamn teeth in.
Rickey stands there until finally, opening his mouth...
RICKEY
You can't, Jackie.
You know it.
JACK
I'm supposed to let this go on?
RICKEY
These men have to live with
themselves -JACK
I have to live with myself, too!
And right now I'm living a sermon
out there. Im through with it!
Jack is at the end of his rope.
All Rickey has are words.
RICKEY
You dont matter right now, Jack.
Youre in this thing. You dont
have the right to pull out from the
backing of people who believe in
you, respect you and who need you.
Is that so?
JACK
RICKEY
If you fight, they wont say
Chapman forced you to; theyll just
say that youre over your head.
That you belong where you are.
(MORE)
WHITE 3-14-12
80.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
That every downtrodden man who
wants more from life is over his
head.
Jacks either going to explode or break into tears.
JACK
Do you know what it's like, having
someone do this to you?!
RICKEY
No. You do. Youre the one living
the sermon. In the wilderness.
Forty days. All of it. Only you.
JACK
And not a damn thing I can do about
it.
RICKEY
Of course there is! You can stand
up and hit! You can get on base
and you can score! You can win
this game for us! We need you as
well! Everyone needs you.
(a beat; exhausted)
Youre medicine, Jack.
Rickey reaches out, touches the wall to stay standing. Jack
just breathes as familiar sounds reverb down the tunnel.
JACK
Theyre taking the field.
RICKEY
Whos playing first?
Jack considers him.
Everything hangs in the balance.
Then:
JACK
Im gonna need a new bat.
As Jack heads back down the tunnel for the field.
CUT TO:
133
EXT. SCOREBOARD - EBBETS FIELD - DAY
133
Eight zeros hang for the Phillies. Seven for the Dodgers.
No score, the bottom of the 8th coming up.
134
JACK
134
Steps into the batters box. Chapman and his sidekicks step
from the Stygian abyss of the visitors dugout.
PINK REV 4-19-12
81.
CHAPMAN
Hey, black Nigger! I know you can
hear me! If you were a white boy,
you know where youd be right now?!
On a bus headed down to Newport
News cuz you cant play for shit!
Here comes the pitch. Jack nonchalantly sticks his bat out,
pokes a soft hit past second. A nothing hit, but hes
standing on first. And he looks, well, ferocious in fact.
As Pete Reiser steps up into the batters box...
Jack stares at Dutch Leonard. Assassins eyes as he takes an
insolent, in-your-face lead off first.
Dutch fires to first.
Jack dives back safe!
Back on his feet, he spits out a piece of grit he picked up

sliding back on his belly. Not bothering to dust himself
off, hes turning into something elemental before our eyes.
135
RED BARBER
135
Up in the booth.
BARBER
Two strikes now to Reiser as
Leonard looks in. Robinson with
another big lead off first. He's as
restless as a cat with a hot foot.
136
RACHEL
*
*
136
Witnessing.
RACHEL
Steal it, sweetheart.
137
Take it.
FIELD
137
Dutch throws. Jack on the run as Reiser swings and misses STRIKE THREE! - and Seminick comes up throwing.
Jack slides into second, the throw high, ends up in center.
Half a dozen Dodgers impulsively on their feet and waving him
on as Jack gets to his feet and motors into THIRD. The throw
well late. Phillies third baseman HANDLEY throws the ball
back to Dutch. Handley then looks to Jack.
HANDLEY
Im sorry. I want you to know what
goes on here, it don't go for me.
Jack barely nods, but he heard.
BLUE REV 4-07-12
82.
BARBERS VOICE
Hermanski steps up.
PLATE
Dutch looking to third, nodding distracted at a sign, looking
back to third before... Hermanski cracks a single to left.
As Jack crosses the plate, he stares down Chapman on his way
to the dugout. As Chapman turns his head, spits -CUT TO:
138
INT. VISITORS LOCKER ROOM - DAY

Several REPORTERS around Chapman as well.
138
He drinks a BEER.
CHAPMAN
You fellas are making too big a
deal out of this. He scored We
lost. One to nothing.
REPORTER THREE
Do you think you were a little hard
on Robinson?
CHAPMAN
We treat him the same way we do
Hank Greenburg except we call Hank
a kike instead of a coon. When we
play exhibitions against the
Yankees, we call DiMaggio the Wop.
They laugh at it. No harm, its
forgotten after the game ends.
Chapman tosses away his beer can.
REPORTER THREE
Dont you think this was maybe one
foot over the line?
CHAPMAN
Hey. Let's get the chips off our
shoulders and play ball. It's a
game, right?
CUT TO:
139
INT. SHOWER - DODGER LOCKER ROOM - DAY
139
Jack alone in the shower. Water beating down. Steam rising.

A warrior who survived another day of battle. Maybe. They
say the Lord doesnt ask us to bear any more than were able,
but God is cutting it pretty damn close here. He is in pain.
CUT TO:
GREEN REV 4-27-12

140
83.
INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - BROOKLYN - LATE AFTERNOON

Rickey sits brooding, thinking.
140
Parrott enters, upset.
PARROTT
Im going in that Phillie dugout
tomorrow and wring Chapmans neck!
Rickey considers Parrott, starts laughing.
Parrott is hurt.
PARROTT
Did I say something funny?
RICKEY
When I first told you about Jackie,
you were against it. Now all of a
sudden youre worrying about him.
How do you suppose that happened?
PARROTT
Well, any decent minded person -RICKEY
Sympathy, Harold, is a Greek word.
It means to suffer. I sympathize
with you means I suffer with you.
This Philadelphia manager has done
me a service.
A service?!
PARROTT
RICKEY
Is there an echo in here? Yes,
he's creating sympathy on Jackie's
behalf. Philadelphia by the way is
Greek for brotherly love.
The intercom BUZZES.
JANE ANNS VOICE
Bob Bragan to see you, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEY
(flashes angry)
What in Satans fire does he want?
(presses button)
Send him in.
Rickey pretends to review papers as Bragan enters, his hat
literally in his hand. Rickey lets him stand there a moment.
RICKEY
What do you want, Bragan?
WHITE 3-14-12
84.
BRAGAN
Id like not to be traded, sir, if
it isn't too late.
RICKEY
What about Robinson?
Bragans been staring at the floor.
low afternoon sun hits his face.
He looks up now.
The
BRAGAN
Id like to be his teammate.
Why?
RICKEY
BRAGAN
The worlds changing; I guess I can
live with the change.
RICKEY
(sarcastic)
Red Sox just offered Ted Williams,
but Ill see what I can do.
BRAGAN
Thank you, Mr. Rickey.
Bragan leaves.
Rickey looks at Parrott: What do you know?

CUT TO:
141
EXT. UNDER THE STANDS - EBBETS FIELD - LATE AFTERNOON

Rachel waiting.
141
Jack exits, sees her, hadnt expected her.
JACK
You shouldnt have waited.
RACHEL
They havent made a day long enough
that I wouldnt wait for you.
JACK
Give these boys time.
game series.
Its a three
A beat between them, framed by the steel girders around them.

JACK (CONTD)
I dont care if they like me; I
didnt come here to make friends.
I dont even care if they respect
me. I know who I am; I got enough
respect for myself. But I do not
want them to beat me.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
85.
RACHEL
They are never going to beat you.
JACK
Theyre taking their best shot. I
dont want you coming tomorrow. I
dont want you to watch that, them
beating me.
RACHEL
Wherever you are, I am, too.
at me. Jack...
He looks over.
Look
Its not easy for this most proud of men.
RACHEL
I have to watch. So our hearts
dont break... Plus I already
bought a scorecard.
She holds it up.
His name the only one filled in.
RACHEL
And I put your name on it.
Jack Robinson.
See?
He puts his hand out, takes hers.

JACK
I did good the day I met you.
RACHEL
Baby, you hit a home run.
CUT TO:
142
EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY
142
The SCOREBOARD shows 1 run scored by the Phillies in the top

of the first. Jack steps up to the plate. Here we go again.
INSERT: April 23, 1947. The next day.
CHAPMAN
Hey, porch monkey! Hey Robinson!
Hey boy! You know why youre here?
EDDIE STANKY
On the bench. Without warning, he blasts off it. MOVE WITH
him as he marches toward Chapman who doesnt see him coming.
CHAPMAN
Youre here to draw those Nigger
dollars at the gate for Rickey!
YELLOW REV 4-24-12

Chapman clocks the apoplectic Stanky.
Sit down.
down.
86.
Spit flying as:
STANKY
Sit down or Ill sit you
CHAPMAN
Whats the problem, Stank?
STANKY
Youre the problem, you goddamn
disgrace! What kind of man are
you?! You know he can't fight!
Pick on someone who can fight!
BARBERS VOICE
(over it)
Eddie Stanky having a chin wag with
his ex-teammate Chapman. Both men
masters of distraction. Eddie, of
course, from second. Chapman from
the dugout.
Stanky so mad he cant see straight.
Okay, okay.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Chapman surrenders.
CHAPMAN
Jesus.
As Chapman disappears into his dugout, Jack whacks a single.

CUT TO:
143
EXT. DODGER DUGOUT - DAY

Stanky sits here stewing.
143
His head down.
BARBERS VOICE
Robinson on first, Pete Reiser at
bat. Reiser belts it. A long one.
Deep into left center. Back goes
Ennis who is not tall enough. This
ones off the wall. Robinson is
going to score from first.
Over Barber: a CRACK of the bat, the ROAR of the crowd. As
players around him react, Stanky finally looks up as Robinson
crosses the plate, heads in, sits a few feet from Stanky.
Thanks.
JACK
STANKY
For what? Youre on my team. What
the hell am I supposed to do?
(softly)
I gotta look in the mirror, too.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PINK REV 4-19-12

Stanky stands, walks away.
86A.
Todays gonna be okay.

CUT TO:
144
INT. BLACK CHURCH - BROOKLYN - DAY
144
A BLACK PREACHER leads his congregation in prayer.

PREACHER
Lord, make me an instrument of your
peace. Where there is hatred, let
me sow love. Where there is injury,
let me sow pardon. Where there is
darkness, let me sow light.
Amens. We see Rickey sits in the back row, the day heavy
on him. A YOUNG GIRL turns, looks at him. Whys a white man
here? Rickey smiles, puts a finger to his lips... Shhhh.
CUT TO:
SALMON REV 6-4-12
87.
144A OMITTED
144A
144B OMITTED
144B
144C OMITTED
144C
144D OMITTED
144D
SALMON REV 6-4-12
87A.
*
145
INT. LOCKER ROOM - EBBETS FIELD - DAY
145
Players put on their uniforms as Higbe, in street clothes,

fires the contents of his locker into a cardboard box.
87B.
HIGBE
I speak my mind and they trade me!
This ain't the America I know!
He glares down to Jacks locker.
Its Higbe who looks away first.
Jack regards him back.

He continues packing.
WALKER
Where are they sending you, Hig?
HIGBE
Pittsburgh! For cash and some Italian outfielder named Gionfriddo!
(consider his
jockstrap)
Pittsburgh...
CUT TO:
146
146
Dixie Walker takes batting practice, drives the ball all over
the field. A natural.
Rickey and Shotton watch from behind the backstop.

RICKEY
Do you remember the story, Burt, of
the 99 sheep? How one was missing?
SHOTTON
If you're talking about Dixie, I'd
leave the word sheep out of it.
RICKEY
I find myself at odds. I want
integration and the pennant. I
want to punish Dixie and at the
same time I want his salvation.
SHOTTON
Can't he just be a good ballplayer?
He has to be a good person, too?
RICKEY
It would be so much simpler if he
wasn't batting .385.
As Walker finishes, he passes Jack whose turn it is.
WALKER
Shes all yours, Robinson.
*
*
As THUNDER rumbles in the distance...
*
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12

147
88.
OMITTED
147A INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY
147
147A
Rain beats on the windows. Rickey looks over as Parrott

rushes in; hes out of breath and dripping wet. Parrott
holds up the Herald Tribune sports section.
*
*
*
PARROTT
The news isnt good, sir.
*
*
RICKEY
Nevertheless it must be accepted
calmly, Harold. What is it?
*
*
*
A headline: PLAYERS STRIKE.
Parrott reads...
PARROTT
A National League players' strike
instigated by some of the St. Louis
Cardinals against the presence of
Negro first baseman Jackie Robinson
has been averted temporarily and
perhaps permanently quashed.
Madness!
*
*
RICKEY
What are they thinking?!
*
*
CUT TO:
148
EXT. MANHATTAN HOTEL - DAY
148
Wendell Smith waits under an umbrella as the CARDINALS get

off the team bus. Smith buttonholes manager EDDIE DYER.
SMITH
Eddie, whats all this talk about
your Cardinals refusing to play?
DYER
Were here, arent we? We didnt
come to New York to go to Macys.
Dyer continues past him.
Here comes big JOE GARAGIOLA.
SMITH
Hey, Garagiola -Get lost.
GARAGIOLA
Here comes STAN MUSIAL, a class act if there ever was one.
SMITH
Hey, Stan, whats the story?
*
*
TAN REV 6-25-12
88A.
MUSIAL
This is big league baseball, not
English tea. Couple a guys
mightve popped off; its hot air.
149
INT. HOTEL ROOM - MCALPIN HOTEL - DAY
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
149
Smith types out his report. As rain lashes the window, the
Empire State building looms a few block away.
SMITH (V.O.)
St. Louis didnt win the world
championship last year without
using their heads. They have the
same heads this year and should
know that they cant pick the
players of another club.
CUT TO:
*
*

150
INT. EBBETS FIELD TRAINING TABLE - DAY
89.
150
Jack sits here alone, tending to a bat. Cleaning it with

rubbing alcohol, handling it like the friend it is. Rickey
joins him. He has a newspaper in hand. He holds it up.
RICKEY
National League President Frick
says this is America and baseball
is America's game. He says one
citizen has as much right to play
as another.
(looks up)
Baseball will go on as planned once
the rain stops.
*
*
*
Jack eyes his bat.

JACK
RICKEY
Because my job is to win. I have
an obligation to Brooklyn to put
the best team on the field I can.
Your presence on the roster
increases our chances of winning.
Not buying it, Jack looks over at him.
JACK
If this is winning, Id hate to see
us on a losing streak.
150A INT. DODGER LOCKER ROOM - EBBETS FIELD - DAY
CUT TO:
150A
Guys change into their street clothes. Branca reads to Reese

from the New York Post. Walker listens in from his locker.
BRANCA
Listen to this: Right now Robinson
is the loneliest man I have ever
seen in sports.
(upset)
Whos this guy to say Jackies
lonely? He doesnt wear it on his
sleeve. Mans got one helluva game
face. Take no prisoners. How does
some reporter know how he feels.
They stop talking as Robinson walks past, the last one into
the shower, a couple of towels around him.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
89A.
BRANCA
Lonely? I say its the best game
face in the world.
*
*
*
WALKER
So long as he showers lonely, he
can have whatever face he wants.
*
*
*
CUT TO:
151
EXT. EBBETS FIELD STANDS (BETWEEN FIRST AND HOME) - DAY

Rachel sitting here.
This section about two-thirds full.
INSERT: May 6, 1947.
Brooklyn.
151
Then, about five rows behind her, two RACIST FANS find their
seats. They spot Jack down at first.
RACIST FAN #1
Look there he is! Black as the ace
of spades!
*
*
90.
RACIST FAN #1
Damn! You believe that? A genuine
nigger in a Dodger uniform.
As Rachel winces at his words -BROOKLYN FAN #1

Shut up and go back to St. Louis!
RACIST FAN #1
Hey, you got a nigger on your team!
So what?!
you got!
BROOKLYN FAN #2
Hes better than anyone
RACIST FAN #1
Waitll his cousin wants your job!
Dont you know nothing?
Dont you?!
BROOKLYN FAN #1
RACIST FAN #1
Hes a nigger! Hey, black boy!
Rachel stares ahead, tries to maintain. She shows them her

back, sits up as straight as she can. Her movements heroic.
CUT TO:
152
152
Jack steps up against the Cardinals.

shouts down to third.
Garagiola, the catcher,
GARAGIOLA
Watch this guy! He cant hit!
Especially the curve! He can only
get on base bunting!
As Jack digs into the box.
GARAGIOLA
Take your time, Robinson, youre
digging your own grave.
Big RED MUNGER looks in for the sign.
Garagiola flashes a sign: 1.
Heres the pitch.
Inside.
Wants it inside.
Jack just scoots back.

152A RED BARBER - BOOTH
90A.
152A
BARBER
Takes a fastball in on the hands.
Robinson, who is pitched to a great
deal that way, uses a thicker
handle bat than most hitters, just
because he hits a lot of balls out
on his hands.
152B BATTERS BOX
152B
Jack edges up closer to the plate.

JACK
Whats your average, Joe?
GARAGIOLA
Itd be a lot higher than yours, if
I could run as fast as you can.
JACK
No matter how fast you run, youll
never hit as much as you weigh.
Garagiola signals for another fastball.
GARAGIOLA
Cmon, Munger! Boys got a hole in
his bat!
Munger throws inside.
Jack falls back, strokes a double into the gap.
BARBERS VOICE
That one wasnt quite in enough.
Robinson punishing the Redbirds
with a smart piece of hitting.
RETURN TO:
152C EXT. EBBETS FIELD STANDS (BETWEEN FIRST AND HOME) - DAY 152C
The Brooklyn fans cheer; the Racist fan sulks. The double is
little comfort to Rachel who stares ahead, sitting as
straight up as she can. Willing herself not to cry.
CUT TO:
91.
153
OMITTED
153
154
INT. BROOKLYN CITY BUS - DAY
154
Jack and Rachel ride home.

Oh Jack...
Forlorn, she stares out.
RACHEL
JACK
What is it, Rae?
RACHEL
Nothing. Its just, sometimes when
I sit up there with those bastards,
those loudmouths in the stands, I
know you can hear them.
*
*
*
JACK
Dont worry. Its okay.
RACHEL
No, its not okay. And I can hear
them, too.
*
*
Jack looks at her, takes her hand in his.

JACK
I know. Im sorry for that.
Rachel squeezes his hand back.
RACHEL
Were in it together. When they
start in on you, you know what I
do? I try to sit up as straight.
Yeah?
JACK
RACHEL
Straight as I can.
(MORE)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

RACHEL (CONT'D)
I got it in my head that I can
block it from you, some of it, if I
sit up straight.
(a sad smile)
Isnt that dumb?
92.
Closing the space between them, he takes her hand.

It worked.
JACK
I didnt hear a thing.
She tries to smiles. As the tears streak her cheeks, he

leans in kisses her forehead.
JACK
Theyre just ignorant.
RACHEL
If they knew you, theyd be
ashamed.
She puts her arm around him, draws that strength.
Hold on.
JACK
RACHEL
I am holding on.
JACK
Long as we hold on, itll be okay.
CUT TO:
155
EXT. STANDS - EBBETS FIELD - DAY

WHACK!
155
Rachel and Rickey watch Jack taking batting practice.

RICKEY
You look lovely, Mrs. Robinson.
Thank you.
RACHEL
RICKEY
I dont know how you do it. Every
day, from the 1st to the 9th.
Myself? I could pay $100 for a
suit and in twenty minutes I'd look
like I fell out of bed. Even my
shoes look rumpled.
They watch Jack crack one high off the Schaefer Beer sign.
RACHEL
I used to think Jack was conceited.

Is that so?
93.
RICKEY
RACHEL
It was the very first thing I
noticed about him.
RICKEY
How did you two meet?
RACHEL
I saw him at a UCLA football game.
Even in uniform with a helmet on,
his vanity was awful. It was the
way he held his hands on his hips.
I hated him!
(Rickey laughs)
And on campus he always wore crisp
white shirts and Id think his skin
is so dark, why would he do that?
Then I got to know him, his pride
and confidence, and I realized he
was showing off his color. I was
wrong. He wasnt conceited; he was
proud. Always, of who and what he
is. Id never met another man like
that. What about you? How did you
meet your wife?
RICKEY
Trying to catch her in a race. She
was the fastest girl in town.
Beautiful legs. I finally caught
up; we've been together ever since.
They sit a moment.
Below: Jack nails another one.
RICKEY
I wanted to apologize to you.
For what?
RACHEL
RICKEY
Everything. I cant apologize to
him. He and I both knew what we
were getting into. But you. A
newlywed, trying to blossom a
marriage under all this pressure.
RACHEL
Dont worry about me.
know who we are.
Crack.
Jack hits another.
Or us.
We
*
*
WHITE 3-14-12
RICKEY
Your husband has humbled me. When
this all began I thought I was
changing the world and that Jackie
was my instrument. Can you
imagine? I wish I could help him,
but Im just a spectator.
RACHEL
You help him plenty.
Believe me.
They watch him rip into another pitch.

RICKEY
Is he able to get things off his
chest? So he doesnt burn up?
RACHEL
Yes. I have to let him have that
silence at first, let him come to
me. But he opens up eventually.
RICKEY
Good. Its too much to carry
inside. Does he have any friends
on the team?
(she gives him a look)
Theyre spectators, too. They do
admire him though.
Rachel looks out to where Reese and Stanky play catch.
RACHEL
Do you think so?
RICKEY
Even the worst of us recognizes
courage. Moral courage especially.
I have to think they see it.
Jackies a man on trial. Hes
responding with glory and grace.
No one can take their eyes off him.
RACHEL
Hes had himself on trial since the
day I met him. No man is harder on
himself or gets to himself worse
than Jack. But I hope his teammates know, theyre on trial too.
RICKEY
I suppose we all are. You're an
astute woman, Mrs. Robinson.
94.
95.
RACHEL
(laughs)
I have to be, Mr. Rickey, I'm
married to a man of destiny. I
can't let him down.
RICKEY
If Id met you first, I wouldnt
have looked so long for Jackie.
*
*
*
RACHEL
How do you mean?
*
*
RICKEY
I mean if he was good enough for
you, hes certainly good enough for
the rest of us.
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
156
INT. PENNOCKS OFFICE - SHIBE PARK - DAY
156
Phillie GM HERB PENNOCK at his desk, on the phone.

PENNOCK
Branch, its Herb.
157

RICKEY
What can I do for you, Herb?
PENNOCK
How long have we known each other?
RICKEY
Twenty years. Maybe more.
PENNOCK
Then trust me when I say,
Brooklyns due here tomorrow, but
you can not bring that Nigger down
here with the rest of your team.
Rickey grits his teeth, stays civil.
RICKEY
And whys that, Herb? His names
Jackie Robinson by the way.
PENNOCK
We're just not ready for this sort
of thing in Philadelphia.
(MORE)
157

PENNOCK (CONT'D)
Im not sure well be able to take
the field against your team if that
boy is in uniform.
RICKEY
Herbert, what your team does is
your decision. But my team is
coming to Philadelphia. With
Robinson. If we have to claim the
game as a forfeit, we will. Thats
9-0 in case you forgot.
95aA.
PINK REV 4-19-12
95A.
PENNOCK
Branch, youve got one helluva hair
across your ass on this thing and
I, for one, would like to know what
youre trying to prove?
*
*
*
*
*
RICKEY
Do you think God likes baseball?
do.
*
*
*
PENNOCK
What the hell does that mean?
*
*
RICKEY
It means youre going to meet God
one day, Herb, and when he inquires
why Robinson wasnt on the field in
Philadelphia and you answer because
he was a Negro, it may not be a
sufficient reply.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
As Rickey hangs up the phone...
*
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12
96.
158
OMITTED
158
159
EXT. THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOTEL - DAY
159
The Dodger TEAM BUS pulls up. The doors whoosh open; Parrott
steps off looking official. As the players start to follow:
*
*
Benjamin Franklin Hotel, Philadelphia.
PARROTT
Come on, fellas! We have twenty
minutes to check in and then get to
Shibe! Chop chop.
No one is listening as the TEAM DRIVER opens the lower
compartment and the players (including Jack) grab their bags.
Out!
HOTEL MANAGER
Get that bus out of here!
The HOTEL MANAGER stalks over, flanked by HOTEL SECURITY.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
PARROTT
Were the Dodgers. We have a
reservation.
*
*
*
HOTEL MANAGER
Your teams not welcome, not while
you have ballclub Negroes with you.
*
*
*
PARROTT
You mean Robinson cant stay here?
*
*
HOTEL MANAGER
I mean the entire team is refused!
*
*
PARROTT
Weve been staying here ten years.
*
*
HOTEL MANAGER
And you can stay away that long!
*
*
SHOTTEN
(last off the bus)
Hold on now, lets talk about this.
*
*
*
The Hotel Manager jerks his thumb like an umpire.
Get out!
HOTEL MANAGER
Now, grandpa!
*
*
Grandpa?
SHOTTEN
Hey hold on, you!
*
*
Security getting between as Shotten and the Manager go at it.
BLUE REV 4-07-12
96A.
Jack is embarrassed, but what can he do? Walker says to no

one in particular, but loud enough for Jack to hear:
WALKER
Maybe 42s got enough friends in
town, we can bunk up.
JACK
Whats that supposed to mean?
WALKER
Nothing. Its just, I know when
you cant get into a hotel, you got
peoples houses you can stay at.
JACK
What do you want from me, Walker?
An apology.
WALKER
JACK
(steps forward)
For what? Places like this?
Parrott alarmed at this turn of events.
WALKER
For turning this season into a
sideshow! Im a ballplayer; I want
to play ball!
*
*
*
*
JACK
Im here to win!
*
*
So am I!
WALKER
How the hell are we gonna win
sleeping on the bus?!
Fellas --
PARROTT
*
*
*
*
*
JACK
It might do you some good the way
youre swinging the bat lately.
*
*
*
DIXIE
Watch your mouth!
*
*
PINK REV 4-19-12
97.
Walker jabs his chest with a finger; Jack bats his hand away.
JACK
Watch your damn hand!
And theyre lunging at each other. Separated by Reese,
Stanky, Branca and Bragan while other players hold off
Shotton. Two fights about to break out at the same time.
Grandpa?!
SHOTTEN
Ill show you grandpa!
Parrott summons something deep, lets loose a shrill WHISTLE.

PARROTT
Fellas! Burt! Please! Take the
bus to the field! Worry about the
game. Ill find another hotel.
CUT TO:
160
INT. PENNOCKS OFFICE - SHIBE PARK - DAY
160
Ben Chapman sits across from Herb Pennock who flips through
underlined newspaper reports. Pennock reads one:
PENNOCK
There is a great lynch mob among
us; they go unhooded and work
without rope.
(looks at him)
Thats you, not me.
(reads some more)
We must remember that all this
country's enemies are not beyond
the frontiers of our home land.
CHAPMAN
Some Jew mustve wrote that.
PENNOCK
This doesnt look good, Ben! It
makes the Phillies, look racist!
Youve got to do something.
Me?!
CHAPMAN
CUT TO:

161
INT. VISITORS LOCKER ROOM - SHIBE PARK - NIGHT
98.
161
ON PARROTT. Hes trying to work up the nerve for something.

Finally, he comes around the corner where Jack sits at his
locker talking to Smith.
PARROTT
Jackie, excuse me, um, a request
came in. The Phillies manager Ben
Chapman, hed like his photo taken
with you.
*
*
*
*
*
Jack pretends to sniff the air around Parrott.

JACK
You been drinking, Harold?
PARROTT
Mr. Rickey thinks its a good idea.
He says itll be in every sports
page in the country. An example
thatll show everyone even the most
hardened man can change.
JACK
Chapman hasn't changed. Hes just
trying to take the heat off.
PARROTT
Mr. Rickey says it doesn't matter
if hes changed. As long as it
looks like hes changed. Chapman
said hed come down here. Or meet
you in the runway.
*
*
*
As Jack slow burns...

SMITH
See the ball come in slow.
photo come in slower.
JACK
(to Parrott)
Tell him on the field.
everyone can see him.
*
*
*
See the
*
*
*
Where
As Parrott smiles; hes done it.

Perfect.
PARROT
*
*
CUT TO:

162
EXT. HOME PLATE - SHIBE PARK - NIGHT

Chapman and Jack stand side-by-side facing the PRESS.
Chapman makes a little speech. Hypocrisy at its best.
CHAPMAN
Jackies been accepted in baseball
and the Philadelphia organization
wish him all the luck we can. I
only hope in some small way our
trial of fire... helped him along.
Jack looks at him: Did he just say that?
98A.
162
GREEN REV 4-27-12
99.
PHOTOGRAPHER
How about a picture? Shake hands.
Bury the hatchet?
JACK
You want a picture?
Sure.
Jack steps to the on-deck circle, grabs a BASEBALL BAT.

Chapmans eyes widen as he starts toward him with it.
JACK
(low to Chapman)
Well hold the bat. That way we
dont have to touch skin.
Chapman nods, looks relieved. A photographer hands over a
bat. Chapman has two hands on the handle. Jack puts one
hand on the barrel, the other stays on his hip.
JACK
Ben, I hope all your friends back
home like the picture.
Jack smiles as the flashbulbs go off.
Chapman looks dumb.
DIXIE WALKER
By the dugout with Stanky, watches in disbelief.
WALKER
Carl, I swear, I never thought I'd
see ol' Ben eat shit like that.
CUT TO:
163
EXT. FORBES FIELD - PITTSBURGH - DAY
163
FRITZ OSTERMUELLER on the mound. He takes a long look in at

Jack, at his catcher KLUTTZ who flicks his thumb: Hit him.
Pittsburgh.
Here it comes. All Jack has time to do is cover his face to

lessen the blow. Beaned in the head, he goes down in a heap.
Branca leads the Dodger players out onto the field. The
UMPIRES move to head them off. Pirates as well. Kirby
Higbe, now in a Pirate uniform, claps his hands pleased.
BRANCA
(in his face)
Ostermeuller, you kraut! You gotta
bat, too! Dont you forget!
OSTERMUELLER
Im ready, you Wop bastard!
PINK REV 4-19-12
99A.
BRANCA
Its gonna come right between your
eyes! Like a Kamikaze!
*
*
*
OSTERMUELLER
(re: Jack)
For him!? He doesnt belong here!
*
*
*
BRANCA
You dont belong here!
Goering and Shmelling!
*
*
*
Go home to
OSTERMUELLER
Make me, you goddamn dago!
*
*
WHITE 3-14-12
As an UMPIRE gets between them, Jack sits up.
100.
Hes okay.
CUT TO:
164

Rickey looks up as Reese enters.
164
He holds a LETTER.
RICKEY
What can I do for you, Pee Wee?
REESE
Well, Mr. Rickey, its like this,
the series in Cincinnati next week.
RICKEY
Its an important road trip, were
only three games out of first.
Yes, sir.
Kentucky.
REESE
You know, Im from
RICKEY
Cincinnatis nearly a home game for
you.
REESE
I got this letter, sir. I guess
some people arent too happy about
me playing with Robinson.
Rickey is not liking where this is going; he motions for the
letter, scans it, reads the highlights...
RICKEY
Nigger lover. Watch yourself.
will get you, carpetbagger.
(holds it out)
Typical stuff.
We
Reese takes the letter back, a little hurt.

REESE
It's not typical to me.
RICKEY
How many of these letters have you
gotten, Pee Wee?
Just this.
REESE
Ain't that enough?
Rickey looks Reese over a moment.

steps over to a filing cabinet.
Pushing back his chair he
WHITE 3-14-12
101.
Motioning Reese to join him, he pulls open a drawer, pulls

out a 4-inch stack of flattened letters, then another, then a
third. He looks to Reese.
REESE (CONTD)
What are those?
RICKEY
Ill tell you what they arent,
they arent letters from the Jackie
Robinson fan club. Here -He thrusts a sheaf of it into Reeses hands.
through the stack of hate, reads:
As Reese flips
REESE
Get out of baseball, or your baby
boy will die.
(next one)
Quit baseball or your Nigger wife
will be...
Reese trails off, wont say it out loud.
Skips to another.
REESE (CONTD)
Get out of the game or be killed.
He looks at one more, reacts to the vitriol, but does not
utter it. Reese looks back at Rickey, shocked.
REESE (CONTD)
Does Jackie know?
RICKEY
Of course he knows. And the FBI.
Theyre taking a threat in
Cincinnati pretty seriously. So
excuse me if Im not too shocked at
you being called a carpetbagger.
You should be proud of it!
REESE
Wed just like to play ball, Mr.
Rickey. Thats all we want to do.
RICKEY
I understand. I bet Jackie just
wants to play ball. I bet he wishes
he wasnt leading the league in hit
by pitch. I bet he wishes people
didnt want to kill him. But the
world isnt so simple anymore. Im
not sure it ever was. We just,
baseball ignored it. Now we cant.
102.
REESE
(quiet)
Yes, Sir. I gotta get to practice.
CUT TO:
165
A 10-YEAR OLD BOY
165
In the stands. Freckled, cute. Looking at the men around

him, his own FATHER SHOUTING at Jack as the Dodgers take the
field (the Reds coming off it).
*
*
Jack headed for first.
Pee Wee out to short.
FRECKLES
Nigger!
(then...)
We dont want you here!
INSERT: Crosley Field, Cincinnati, June 21, 1947.
RED BARBERS VOICE
Cincinnati fans expressing their
displeasure as the Dodgers take the
field. Jackie Robinson at first.
The Brat Eddie Stanky at second.
Spider Jorgensen at third. And the
captain Pee Wee Reese at shortstop.
(a beat)
Ask any man and theyll tell you
that the Gillette Superspeed razor
is a honey. Maybe the sweetest
shaving razor youll ever use.
166
OMITTED
166
167
OMITTED
167
BLUE REV 4-07-12

168
103.
EXT. INFIELD - CROSLEY FIELD - DAY
168
Jack reaches first, throws the ball around the infield.

in the crowd beyond rise to jeer and heap abuse. COON!
SHINE! Jack tries to let it wash over him.
Many
At short, Reese receives the ball, moves to throw to first

when he pauses. Deciding, he suddenly moves to trot across
the diamond until hes alongside Jack.
Whats up?
JACK
Now cries of CARPETBAGGER! cut through. PEE WEE, HOW CAN YOU
PLAY WITH THIS BLACK BASTARD!? Reese stares up at the worst
hecklers along the first base line. He looks a little sad.
REESE
They can say what they want; we're
here to play baseball.
JACK
Just a bunch of crackpots still
fighting the Civil War.
REESE
Hell, wed a won that son of a gun
if the cornstalks had held out. We
just ran out of ammunition.
Jack laughs.
Reese has a funny way of saying it.
JACK
Better luck next time, Pee Wee.
Reese impulsively puts his arm around Jacks shoulder, stares
into the Cincy dugout.
REESE
Aint gonna be a next time. All we
got is right now. This right here.
Know what I mean?
Walker reacting out in right. The crowd shuts down, some in
shock at the gesture. Jack surprised also.
REESE (CONTD)
Thank you, Jackie.
JACK
Whatre you thanking me for?
REESE
Ive got family here from
Louisville. Up there somewhere.
need em to know who I am.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
104.
Jack moved by Pee Wees gesture, cant find the words.

RED BARBERS VOICE
Robinson and Reese conferring at
first. Maybe discussing an infield
shift on Baumholtz.
*
*
*
*
UMPIRE
Hey! Number one! You playing ball
or socializing?
REESE
Playing ball, ump! Playing ball!
(to Jack)
Maybe tomorrow well all wear 42.
That way they wont be able to tell
us apart.
Reese heads for short.
Jack pounds his fist in his glove.

CUT TO:
169
OMITTED
169
170
OMITTED
170
171
INT. TRAIN - ENROUTE TO NEW YORK - DAY
171
Jack playing Gin Rummy with Branca, Reese and Wendell Smith.
BRANCA
(to Smith; teasing)
You ever write about white guys in
your paper? I mean, if I threw a
no hitter and Jackie got a base
hit, what would the headline be?
SMITH
Jackie leads Dodgers to victory.
Again. Under that: white Italian
guy does ok.
They all laugh.
REESE
Id call your folks for ya, Ralph.
Tell em how you did.
No problem.
Post.
BRANCA
Itll still make the
They play their hands as they talk.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
105.
REESE
We are on some kind of winning
streak, huh boys? And I dont mean
cards.
BRANCA
Hey, maybe forty of our last fifty.
SMITH
Thirty-two and fifteen actually.
Since the 4th of July.
BRANCA
Math is why I throw a baseball for
a living.
REESE
This next series against the
Cardinals, its a big one.
They look over at Jack who hasnt said a word. Its his
play. He lays his cards down. Deadpan as he wins the hand.
Gin.
JACK
RED BARBERS VOICE

The top of the 11th inning, all
tied at 2. For those of you just
tuning in, how did we get here?
A172 JACK AT BAT
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
A172
Jack strokes a DOUBLE over Stankys head as Stanky breaks off

second for third.
RED BARBERS VOICE
Its been double trouble as
Robinson knocked in Stanky with a
double in the third...
B172 DIXIE WALKER AT BAT
*
*
*
*
B172
Walker strokes a DOUBLE over Stankys head as Stanky breaks

off second for third.
RED BARBERS VOICE
...And Dixie Walker did the same
with a double in the eighth.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

172
105A.
172
ENOS SLAUGHTER steps in for St. Louis. Hugh Casey on the

mound for Brooklyn. Slaughter looks fiercely determined.
RED BARBERS VOICE
It wasnt enough as the Cardinals
tied it with two of their own in
the top of the ninth. This game is
crucial to the Red Birds. Theyre
five games out, the Dodgers having
not relinquished first place sine
June 30th.
Casey throws a pitch.
Inside, a ball.
INSERT: August 20, 1947.
Brooklyn.
RED BARBERS VOICE

Slaughter takes ball one low.
Casey in his second inning of
relief. This game is tighter than
a new pair of shoes on a rainy day.
Slaughter hitless in four trips as
Casey goes into his wind-up.
Slaughter swings, hits a hard ground ball right at Reese who
fires over to Jack at first. Slaughter is out by fifteen
feet, but he never slows down. And his foot comes down --- High on Jacks right calf. Slaughters spiked him
something wicked. Jack goes down in a heap clutching his
leg, blood already seeping through his high socks.
Slaughter, head down, on his way to the visitors dugout as
Dodger players pour out of their own to protest. As the UMP
raises his hands, motions them all back... Jack pulls up his
sock, a bloody mess. Stanky looks to Casey.
*
*
WHITE 3-14-12
106.
STANKY
Next batter, throw right at his
head. Clean his clock -JACK
(fierce)
Just get him out. Understand?
Games too important.
As Casey nods, Jack reaches up to Stanky and Reese.
They pull him to his feet. Jack looks, finds Rachel in the
stands. As he gives her a little wave: Im okay.
CUT TO:
173
WHITEY KUROWSKI
173
A big Cardinal slugger at bat.
Casey pitching.
BARBER'S VOICE
The top of the 12th and Kurowski at
the plate. He hit his 20th home
run on Monday so Caseys going to
want to be careful with him.
The pitch grooves in and Kurowski nails it.
Oh dear.
BARBER'S VOICE (CONTD)

There goes number 21.
CUT TO:
174
SCOREBOARD - EBBETS FIELD
174
The Cardinals leading 3-2 going into the bottom of the 12th.
175
JACK
175
The stadium electric as Jack steps in, his left leg bloody.
He takes an inside pitch at the knees. Bastards!
Here comes the next one. WHACK - He singles hard up the
middle, nearly takes the pitchers head off.
FIRST BASE
He rounds hard, returns to the bag. Reiser stepping up to
the plate as Musial holds Jack on at first. Jack in a fury.
JACK
I don't care what happens, I don't
care what kind of play it is, when
I get to second I'm gonna knock
someone into centerfield.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
107.
MUSIAL
(glances at blood)
I don't blame you, man, you got
every right.
Jack running on the pitch. Reiser bunts. The play is to
first. Reiser is out and Jack slides safe into second.
SCHOENDIENST has the sense to vacate before he gets there.
JACK
Bouncing up and down, wearing that badge of potential
violence and action. The crowd buzzing, the electricity
practically hits you in the face. Jacks going to score.
RICKEY
Coming up out of his seat along with the fans around him.
JACK
Walker at bat. Jack steps out, checks on MARION the
shortstop. He takes another step out, looks to Schoendienst.
RED BARBER
(over it all)
Munger sets. Robbie back and forth
off second. The third bag clearly
in his sights. Oh, and Munger
deals a pick off throw to Marion at
second and Robinson is out!
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Marion breaks for the bag and Munger turns and fires a
strike. Marion brings down the tag -- Out!
He is and he knows it. The crowd stunned into silence.
frozen a moment, head down, furious with himself. Low.
*
*
Jack
BARBERS VOICE
The Cardinals pick up a game. It
was one of those plays where you do
or you dont and Jackie didnt.
CUT TO:
176
INT. TRAINERS TABLE - DODGER CLUBHOUSE - DAY
176
Jack on his stomach as STITCHES are sewn into his leg.

REPORTERS in front of him.
REPORTER ONE
Did he spike you on purpose?
*
YELLOW REV 4-24-12
107A.
JACK
You saw the play. I had my foot
inside the bag. He was out by a
mile. But he kept coming.
*
*
*
*
REPORTER TWO
Slaughter said it was an accident.
*
*
JACK
What are you asking me for then?
REPORTER TWO
Are you calling Slaughter a liar?
CHERRY REV 6-11-12

This guys a real jerk.
108.
Rickey arrives, a BASEBALL in hand.
RICKEY
Get out. Let me talk to my first
baseman. Go. Hes getting
stitched up for Petes sake.
The reporters move off for other interviews. Reporter Two
hesitant to let it go, finally drifts off. Rickey watches.
RICKEY
Sticking up for yourself is what
youd expect of any man. Some find
it galling to see it in a Negro.
JACK
Im sorry, Mr. Rickey.
Sorry?
RICKEY
Sorry for what?
JACK
I lost my cool out there. It
probably cost us the game.
RICKEY
I told you, Jackie, all the best
base runners get caught sometimes.
JACK
I wasnt thinking.
Rickey pulls up a chair sits across from him, leans in.
RICKEY
Do you know what I saw this
morning? I was passing a sandlot
and a little white boy was up to
bat. You know what he was doing?
JACK
Sitting on a fastball?
RICKEY
He was pretending he was you.
Wiping his hands on his pants,
swinging with his arms outstretched
like you do. A little white boy
pretending he was a black man.
*
*
*
*
*
CUT TO:
177
OMITTED
177
CHERRY REV 6-11-12

178
109.
INT. TRAINERS TABLE - DODGER CLUBHOUSE - DAY
178
The two men, who have done so much, looking each other over.
JACK
RICKEY
We had victory over fascism in
Germany; its time for victory over
racism at home.
JACK
Why are you doing this?
now.
A long moment between them.
Come on
Finally, Rickey looks away.
RICKEY
I love this game. I love baseball.
Ive given my life to it. Forty
odd years ago I was a player coach
at Ohio Wesleyan University. We
had a Negro catcher, best hitter on
the team. Charley Thomas.
Rickey starts slowly rubbing the baseball in his hands.
RICKEY
A fine young man. I saw him laid
low. Broken because of the color
of his skin and I didnt do enough
to help. I told myself I did, but
I didnt. The game I loved had
something unfair at the heart of
it. I ignored it. But a time came
when I could no longer do that.
(looks up)
You let me love baseball again.
Thank you.
Jacks eyes gentle on Rickeys.
JACK
Youre welcome.
110.
Rickey fighting back tears now, retreats to his more

confident self.
*
*
RICKEY
Youre a force of nature, Jackie,
youve complicated everything but
yourself. Youre changing the
world, and refusing to let it
change you. I for one am in awe.
Jack reaches, takes the baseball from him. A beat as they
consider each other. Finally, a promise...
JACK
I wont get picked off second base
again. Not this year.
CUT TO:
179
OMITTED
179
180
OMITTED
180
181
OMITTED
181
182
OMITTED
182
111.
183
OMITTED
183
184
INT. BEDROOM - 526 MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY
184
Its early. Rachel watches from bed as Jack finishes

packing. She looks sad.
Jack looks into the cradle at Jackie Jr..
JACK
Its pops last long road trip of
the year, little man.
RACHEL
Careful you dont wake him.
JACK
I know. I wont.
(looks over)
You okay?
RACHEL
I dont like seeing you leave,
thats all.
He looks at her a beat, resumes packing...
JACK
Ill be home in a week.
RACHEL
Eleven days. Thats a long time
without you.
He doesnt answer, packs away.
Finally:
RACHEL
Try not to lunge at the plate.
Seriously?
JACK
RACHEL
That's why theyre throwing the
fastballs inside.
He looks at her, a little shocked.
*
*
*
*
*
112.
RACHEL
Fight those inside fastballs off,
foul them back. Sooner or later
they wont be able to help but
throw a curve.
He steps to the bed, leans over her.
JACK
And what'll happen then?
She clucks a 'hit' sound, makes an 'ahhhhhh' crowd sound.
JACK
We win enough of these next games
and well bring home the pennant.
RACHEL
Pennant? Where are we going to put
a pennant? All these baby diapers
hanging everywhere.
Jack looks around the room, at the diapers hanging.
JACK
We got room right over there.
Between number one and number two.
She mock grimaces at his bad joke.
RACHEL
Win one if you have to, but bring
yourself home; thatll be plenty.
They kiss.
JACK
Rae, youre in my heart.
RACHEL
Promise me youll come home.
youll always come home.
That
As he looks at all he loves in the world...

I promise.
JACK
CUT TO:
184A EXT. MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY
184A
Jack exits MacDonough Street apartment building and makes his

way down the street.
185
OMITTED
185
*
*
*
BUFF REV 5-29-12
113-114.
186
OMITTED
186
187
OMITTED
187
188
OMITTED
188
188A EXT. SPORTSMAN PARK - ST. LOUIS - DAY
188A
A CARDINAL RUNNER on second. Jackie holding another RUNNER

on first as the St. Louis crowd ROARS.
BARBERS VOICE
2 on 2 out for the Cardinals in the
eighth. Anxious moments now as
theyve cut the Dodger lead to 2.
Nippy Jones up. Musial taking his
place on deck. Jones likes to
punch that ball when he swings.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Insert: September 13, 1947.

Casey on the mound receives the ball.
Pounds his glove.
JACK
Come on, Casey, get him out!
that ball!
Pitch
BARBERS VOICE
The outfield is deep, shaded toward
left. Robinson holding the runner
on first. Here comes Casey with
the pitch --
*
*
*
*
*
Jones swings, pops it up.
BARBER
Its popped up foul toward first.
Should be out of play. But here
comes Robinson, hes coming hard --
*
*
*
*
189
OMITTED
189
190
OMITTED
190
191
OMITTED
191
192
OMITTED
192
BUFF REV 5-29-12
115.
CUT TO:
193
EXT. SPORTSMAN PARK - ST. LOUIS - DAY
193
Jack chasing down the foul, headed right for the open steps
of his own dugout. He never considers the peril as he
CATCHES THE BALL and his left foot comes down onto nothing -BRANCA LEAPS forward, tackles Jack back onto the infield.
BARBER'S VOICE
Hes got it! And one of the
Dodgers has him!
*
CUT TO:
194
OMITTED
194
195
OMITTED
195
196
INT. VISITORS LOCKER ROOM - SPORTSMAN PARK - DAY
196
BARBERS VOICE
The Dodgers closing in on the
Pennant as theyll leave St. Louis
for Cincinnati and a three game
series with the Reds.
Jack sits in his grass stained pants after the game. Most of
the guys are in the shower. Branca, a towel around his
waist, is headed there himself. The sight of Jack stops him.
BRANCA
Can I ask you something, Jackie?
How come you never shower until
everyone else is done?
Jack just stares at him.
Branca wont let it drop.
BRANCA
You shy or something?
JACK
I dont want to make anyone
uncomfortable.
*
*
*
*
*
BUFF REV 5-29-12
116.
BRANCA
Were a team. On a hot streak.
Half the wins on account of you.
Youre the bravest guy I ever saw.
Youre leading us and youre afraid
to take a shower?
A beat as Jack considers him.
Stone-faced.
BRANCA
Cmon. Take a shower with me.
(a beat)
Hey, I dont mean it like that.
CUT TO:
197
SHOWERS
197
The Dodgers showering, guys chattering. Suddenly, theres

Branca and Jack at the shower entrance. All eyes look over.
Branca enters. Then Jack. A beat and everyone goes back to
getting clean. Its no big deal. Except...
Dixie Walker looks to the floor, shakes his head. Finally,
quietly, he leaves. Whos the loneliest man on the team now?
CUT TO:
198

As the phone rings, Rickey grabs it.
198
On edge.
INSERT: September 16, 1947

RICKEY
Rickey here.
199
INTERCUT WITH PARROTT
199
On a payphone in the CROSLEY FIELD CONCOURSE.

PARROTT
We did it, Boss! We did it! We
swept Cincinnati! That puts us
seven games up.
*
*
Joyous, Rickey grabs a sheet showing the NL standings.

RICKEY
And eliminates the Giants and
Boston.
He puts an X through Boston and the Giants. The rest of
the NL are already crossed out. Only the Cardinals remain.
At the same time, Parrott Xs the same out on his notebook.
117.
RICKEY
Wed have to lose nearly every game
for the Cardinals to catch us now.
One more win may do it. Whos
pitching tomorrow for the Pirates?
PARROTT
Ostermueller.
CUT TO:
199A EXT. MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY
199A
Rachel walks pushing Jackie Junior in his stroller. As she

moves, the RADIO BROADCAST of the Dodgers game can be heard
from one house to the next. In a gap, a passing car picks it
up and we hear it from the window. Then another house.
*
*
*
*
*
BARBERS VOICE
A very big game today here in
Pittsburgh. A win and the Dodgers
will have clinched the National
League Pennant.
CUT TO:
199B EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY
199B
Branch Rickey alone in the stadium. The field empty as he

listens to the call of the game over the PA.
BARBER'S VOICE
Fritz Ostermueller on the mound.
Hes 12 and 8 on the season.
200
EXT. FORBES FIELD - PITTSBURGH - DAY

INSERT: September 17, 1947.
Pittsburgh.
Ostermueller on the rubber.
Staring in at Jack.
200
OSTERMUELLER
You dont belong! Youll never
belong!
Jack waits.
Ostermueller pitches.
BARBERS VOICE
Here comes the pitch and Robinson
takes outside. Ball one.
200A RACHEL - ON MACDONOUGH STREET

Listening as --
200A
DBL. WHITE REV 6-28-12
117A.
BARBERS VOICE
Ostermueller winds and throws, low
and away ball two. Fritz seems to
be pitching around Jackie. Or
trying to get him to chase.
Come on.
RACHEL
Throw him a strike.
CUT TO:
200B EXT. FORBES FIELD - PITTSBURGH - DAY
200B
Shakes off one sign, then nods at the next. Throws the ball
well outside. Another pitch outside. Ball Three!
BARBERS VOICE
3 and 0 now. Robinson waiting on
something he can swing on.
As catcher Kluttz throws it back...
JACK
Give me something I can hit!
(to himself)
What are you afraid of?
OSTERMUELLER
You want it?!
(to himself)
Careful what you wish for boy...
Ostermueller nods at the sign.
as the pitch comes in - WHACK!
Jack about to slay the dragon

The ball is going for a ride.
BARBERS VOICE
That is a deep fly ball to left.
Kiner on his horse, but I dont
think hell get there.
200C EBBETS FIELD
200C
Rickey standing, looking up like he can see it.

BARBERS VOICE
Back, back, back and oh doctor!
Robinson got his pitch!
CUT TO:
200D FORBES FIELD
The ball sails out: HOME RUN!
200D
Ostermueller hangs his head.
DBL. WHITE REV 6-28-12

200E INT. MACDONOUGH STREET APARTMENT - BROOKLYN - DAY
117B.
200E
Rachel listening, smiling as CHEERS sound from outside the

apartment. We hear the sound of car horns on the street.
200F JACK
200F
He runs toward first and we run with him. The smile starts
somewhere in his body. His heart most likely. By the time
it reaches his face, his joy has erupted. The weight of the
world starting to drop.
*
*
*
TAN REV 6-25-12

201
118.
PIRATES DUGOUT
201
Kirby Higbe who watches Robinson round the bases in disgust.

HIGBE
Pittsburgh...
202
JACKIE ROBINSON
202
Nears second on his home run trot.

starting to applaud him.
Even the Pittsburgh crowd

CUT TO:
203
OMITTED
203
203A EBBETS FIELD
203A
Rickey absorbing the moment.

204
Its almost too much.
JACKIE ROBINSON
204
Rounding second and headed for third. The weight of the

world somehow lifting. They gave him one he could hit.
CUT TO:
119.
205
OMITTED
205
206
42
206
Were tight on Jacks back as he heads for home at Forbes

Field. 90 feet away... 75...
207
WENDELL SMITH IN THE STANDS
207
Finally inspired to type: T-h-a-n-k y-o-u, J-a-c-k-i-e.

208
JACKIE ROBINSON
208
Nearing home. About to step on the plate.

eyes as well and --
He closes his
WE CUT TO:
209
EXT. 526 MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY
209
Rachel all alone on the sidewalk looking up and down the

street. And suddenly there he is... Jack, scooting between
two cars, hurrying to her. And theyre in each others arms.
*
*
*
Im home.
Safe.
JACK
*
*
RACHEL
*
*
*
*
*
(re: house)
The babys sleeping so dont you
make a sound.
He makes to button his lips.
RACHEL
Stay just like that.
She kisses him. And kisses him. And he kisses her back. As
they finally head inside, we let them go. And as were left
looking down the street, a crawl begins:
*
*
*
*
*
*
BLUE REV 4-07-12
120.
Branch Rickey was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1967.
Pee Wee Reese was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984.

Bobby Bragan retired the following year and became a manager
in the Dodger minor leagues. He is credited with mentoring
several African American minor league players.
Wendell Smith became the first African-American sportswriter
to join the Baseball Writers Association in 1948.
Ben Chapman was fired in 1948 and never managed again.

Eddie Stanky went on to manage the St. Louis Cardinals, the
Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers.
*
*
Ralph Branca lives and works in Rye, New York.
Dixie Walker was traded the following season to Pittsburgh.

Ed Charles grew up to become a professional baseball player.
He won the World Series in 1969 with the Miracle Mets.
Rachel Robinson splits her time between Connecticut and
Manhattan where she runs the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
Jackie Robinson was named Major League Rookie of the Year in
1947. He won the World Series in 1955 against the New York
Yankees, stealing home in Game One. He was elected to the
Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
*
*
*
*
We end on a montage of Jackie Robinson Day in present time.

Every year in April, all MLB players wear the number 42 as a
reminder of Jackie's accomplishments on and off the field.
The number 42 is the only number retired by all of baseball.
We see 42s leaving their dugouts, 42s at bat, 42s in the
field, 42s signing autographs, 42s stealing bases, 42s lined
up for the National Anthem.
FREEZE FRAME on a 42.

The End.

42 American Legend

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Legendary Pictures

White - March 14,

PINK REV 4-19-12

Fills the screen. Falling from the top of frame to the

The white is chalk. An old BLACK GROUNDSKEEPER lays down the

INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY

Blinds closed. Dust motes in the air. A large GOLDFISH TANK

PINK REV 4-19-12

YELLOW REV 4-24-12

EXT. RICKWOOD FIELD - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - NIGHT

The big Birmingham Black Barons CATCHER behind the plate as

Standing, we see he is a big, big man.

DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12

INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY

Rickey wont take the file; the answer is no.

DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12

Sukeforth holds it out; Rickey wont take it.

Parrott enters carrying an armful of files.

As Parrott sets them on the desk, they start to slide off,

DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12

Rickey ends the debate...

EXT. FILLING STATION - INTERSTATE 24 - DAY

A BLOODHOUND watches as a BUS pulls into a SERVICE STATION,

The attendant starts unscrewing caps on two 50-GALLON TANKS.

As the attendant shoves down a pump, starts filling, Jack

BLUE REV 4-07-12

Everyone looking over as Jack stops.

The Driver, the players, a bit stunned.

INT. WHITE MEN ONLY REST ROOM - FILLING STATION - DAY

EXT. FILLING STATION - HIGHWAY 24 - DAY

A car has pulled up. The driver talks to several players.

TAN REV 6-25-12

INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY

Blinds closed. Jack sits across the desk from Rickey.

Jack doesnt know what to do, looks to Sukeforth.

What? Rickey stands, walks to a window. Jack looks at

BLUE REV 4-07-12

BLUE REV 4-07-12

Jack looks like he wants to tear Rickey apart.

Rickey looks worn out.

PINK REV 4-19-12

INT. HALLWAY - ISUM HOUSE - LOS ANGELES - DAY

A phone RINGS on a table. RACHEL ISUM steps in, 23,

INT. LOBBY PAYPHONE - 215 MONTAGUE STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 10

Shes actually getting a little scared now.

GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12

He picks her up, carries her over the threshold.

INT. BRANCH RICKEYS OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY

The shades closed; were scheming again. WENDELL SMITH sits

They consider each other.

TAN REV 6-25-12

INT. BALLROOM - THE WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL - NIGHT

Over 500 guests: journalists, players and politicians all

Huge LAUGHS as he struts and dances his way over.

Check out their laughing faces.

EXT. LOCKHEED TERMINAL - BURBANK - DAY

A gleaming American Airlines DC-3 angled up on the tarmac.

GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12

INT. TERMINAL - BURBANK - DAY

She reaches in her bag, brings out a cardboard SHOEBOX; its

EXT. LOCKHEED TARMAC - BURBANK - DAY

PINK REV 4-19-12

EXT. DC-3 - DAY (STOCK FOOTAGE)

Landing gear coming down.